Abstract
Phages infecting lactic acid bacteria have been the focus of significant research attention over the past three decades. Through the isolation and characterization of hundreds of phage isolates, it has been possible to classify phages of the dairy starter and adjunct bacteria Lactococus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Leuconostoc spp., and Lactobacillus spp. Among these, phages of L. lactis have been most thoroughly scrutinized and serve as an excellent model system to address issues that arise when attempting taxonomic classification of phages infecting other LAB species. Here, we present an overview of the current taxonomy of phages infecting LAB genera of industrial significance, the methods employed in these taxonomic efforts and how these may be employed for the taxonomy of phages of currently underrepresented and emerging phage species.
Highlights
The lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are a heterogeneous group of Gram positive, non-spore-forming bacteria with a rod-shaped or coccoid morphology
Lactic acid is the predominant end-product when LAB engage in hexose fermentation, and it is due to the pre-servative and palatable properties of lactic acid that has for many centuries rendered this group of bacteria applicable in food and feed fermentations, in particular for the production of dairy products
As with most living organisms, LAB are susceptible to viral infection by phages, which may impact on the quality, flavor and texture of the final product
Summary
Reviewed by: Akio Adachi, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Japan Christian Cambillau, Aix Marseille University, France. Phages infecting lactic acid bacteria have been the focus of significant research attention over the past three decades. Through the isolation and characterization of hundreds of phage isolates, it has been possible to classify phages of the dairy starter and adjunct bacteria Lactococus lactis, Streptococcus thermophilus, Leuconostoc spp., and Lactobacillus spp. Phages of L. lactis have been most thoroughly scrutinized and serve as an excellent model system to address issues that arise when attempting taxonomic classification of phages infecting other LAB species. We present an overview of the current taxonomy of phages infecting LAB genera of industrial significance, the methods employed in these taxonomic efforts and how these may be employed for the taxonomy of phages of currently underrepresented and emerging phage species
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