Bacteriophage resistance in Bacillus subtilis 168, W23, and interstrain transformants

Abstract

Strains of B. subtilis 168 deficient in glucosylated teichoic acid vary in their resistance to bacteriophage infection. Although glucosylated teichoic acid is important for bacteriophage attachment, the results demonstrate that alternate receptor sites exist. Non glucosylated cell wall mutants could be assigned to specific classes (gtaA, gtaB, gtaC) by their pattern of resistance to three closely related bacteriophages (phi 25, phi e, SP82). In addition to glucosylation, the type of teichoic acid was also important for bacteriophage attachment. B. subtilis strains 168 and W23 have different teichoic acids in their cell walls and have varied susceptibilities to bacteriophage infection. Transfer of bacteriophage resistance from strain W23 into a derivative of strain 168 was accomplished. The resistant bacteria obtained were impaired in their ability to adsorb bacteriophage and in their capacity to be transfected by bacteriophage deoxyribonucleic acid.