Relationships between Staphylococci and Bacilli Belonging to theSubtilisGroup as Shown by Bacteriophage Absorption

Abstract

Staphylococcus bacteriophages are absorbed and rendered inactive by contact with living or heat killed strains of bacteria of the subtilis group. All attempts, including lysis, to release absorbed phage were unsuccessful. Coli, proteus, dysentery, and streptococcus phages are in no way affected by contact with any of the 58 strains of Bac. subtilis tested. Phage susceptible strains of staphylococci are also able to absorb subtilis phage active against one of the strains used in this study. There appears to be a definite antigenic relationship (heterogenetic) between strains of B. subtilis that absorb staphylococcus bacteriophages and phage susceptible strains of staphylococci.