Genomics of tailless bacteriophages in a complex lactic acid bacteria starter culture

Our previous study on a model microbial community originating from an artisanal cheese fermentation starter revealed that bacteriophages not only co-exist with bacteria but also are highly abundant. Here we describe the genomic content of phage particles released by 6 different strains in culture. The identified prophages belong to three subgroups Siphoviridae P335 group. Remarkably, most analysed show disruptions tail encoding genes, explaining common tailless phenotype. Furthermore, number potentially beneficial features for host carried were identified. carry up 3 defence systems per genome functional protecting foreign infection. We suggest presumably defective result bacteria-phage coevolution and could convey advantages bacteria.