Multiple modification/restriction systems in lactic streptococci and their significance in defining a phage-typing system.

The reactions between 6 strains of mesophilic lactic streptococci and their respective phages were studied quantitatively. Of 30 nonhomologous reactions, the bacteria were fully sensitive in 4 and restricted the phages in 23. A mathematical model was developed that was used to identify at least 4 and probably 5 modification restriction (M/R) systems of which up to 3 were found in the same strain. The model was based on 24 measured values and correctly predicted the values of 5 others. One of the 3 negative reactions was shown to be due to a restriction beyond the limit of detection, a second was due to lysogeny or lack of adsorption, but was shown to have the predicted value when the homologous phage was modified on the host of the challenging phage. In the last reaction a measurable restriction was predicted, but could not be proven by means of a modified phage. These results suggest M/R to be one of the main defenses of the lactic streptococci against their phages. They explain why host range is not a useful criterion in the classification of phages and suggest a rational approach to the definition of a starter rotation.