DNA homology and adsorption specificity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulent bacteriophages.

The DNA homology and adsorption specificity of newly isolated virulent bacteriophages of P. aeruginosa have been studied. On the basis of this analysis all phages were divided into four groups: phi k, phi m, phi mnP78-like and phi mnF82-like bacteriophages. DNA's of phi k as well as phi m phages were shown to possess different restriction patterns although they have an extensive homology. Unlike other groups, phi k phages were characterized by the presence of T4 DNA ligase--repaired, single-chain breaks.