Characterization of Enterocoliticin, a Phage Tail-Like Bacteriocin, and Its Effect on Pathogenic Yersinia enterocolitica Strains

• DOI: 10.1128/aem.67.12.5634-5642.2001
• Publication Date: 2002-07-27T10:00:58Z
• Authors: Eckhard Strauch; Heike Kaspar; Christoph Schaudinn; Petra Dersch; Kazimierz Madela; Christina Gewinner; Stefan Hertwig; Jörg Wecke; Bernd Appel
• Keywords: Yersinia enterocolitica; Yersinia

Yersinia enterocolitica 29930 (biogroup 1A; serogroup O:7,8) produces a bacteriocin, designated enterocoliticin, that shows inhibitory activity against enteropathogenic strains of Y. belonging to serogroups O:3, O:5,27 and O:9. Enterocoliticin was purified, electron micrographs enterocoliticin preparations revealed the presence phage tail-like particles. The particles did not contain nucleic acids showed contraction upon contact with susceptible bacteria. addition logarithmic-phase cultures bacterial led rapid dose-dependent reduction in CFU. Calorimetric measurements heat output sensitive bacteria complete loss cellular metabolic immediately enterocoliticin. Furthermore, efflux K(+) ions into medium determined, indicating has channel-forming activity.