Inactivating Host Bacteria for Characterization and Use of Phages

Phage characterization for research and therapy can involve newly isolated phages propagated in pathogenic bacteria. If so, requires safety-managing the In current study, we adapt a common inexpensive reagent, PrimeStore (Longhorn Vaccines Diagnostics, San Antonio, TX, USA), to safety-manage bacteria 20 min by selectively inactivating No bacterial survivors are observed among >109 per ml representative of both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) Gram-positive (Bacillus thuringiensis). This procedure causes no detected inactivation podophage T3, myophage T4 siphophage 0105phi7-2. Margins safety concentration exist phage non-inactivation. Thus, general applicability is expected. Subsequent dialysis used block long-term effects on phages. Nonetheless, comparable tests should be performed each strain/phage. Electron microscopy thin sections reveals inactivation-altered cytoplasm non-disintegrated envelope (ghosts). Ghosting E. coli includes re-arrangement release endotoxin. The activity released endotoxin >99% reduced after subsequent dialysis, which also removes components. B. thuringiensis apparent phase separation within cytoplasm. primary application envisaged biophysical other screening infectious disease.