Bipartite rgp Locus Diversity in Streptococcus thermophilus Corresponds to Backbone and Side Chain Differences of Its Rhamnose-Containing Cell Wall Polysaccharide
Abstract
Streptococcus thermophilus is present and applied in industrial and artisanal dairy fermentations for the production of various cheeses and yogurt. During these fermentations, S. thermophilus is vulnerable to phage predation, and recent studies have identified the rhamnose-glucose polymer (Rgp) as the definitive receptor for at least one problematic phage species.