The Induction, Purification and Host Range of 4 Lysogenic Staphylococcus aureus Bacteriophages

This research examined a possible correlation between bacteriophage resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and the presence of integrase genes. Four lysogenic Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophages were isolated and their lytic ability was determined. Phages were obtained through Mitomycin C phage induction and verified through positive spot tests on a panel of 10 different isolates. Phages were then assayed for their host range and compared to a well-known S. aureus phage, Phage K. The 4 induced phages exhibited less lytic activity than Phage K. Moreover, the results suggest that there is no clear correlation between phage resistance and the type or number of prophage integrase genes present in the host bacteria.