Abstract: The disclosure relates to the identification, cloning, and expression of a genetic locus within a Listeria monocytogenes genome that encodes a phage tail-like bacteriocin (PTLB), termed a monocin. Also provided are non-natural monocins, which have been engineered to have altered bactericidal specificity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding natural or non-natural monocins, vector constructs containing such nucleic acids operably linked to a heterologous promoter, producer cells containing such vectors, the encoded monocins, as well as methods of making and using such monocins are described.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the identification, cloning, and expression of a genetic locus within an Enterococcus genome that encodes a phage tail-like bacteriocin (PTLB), termed an enterocin. Also provided are non-natural enterocins, which have been engineered to have altered bactericidal specificity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding natural or non-natural enterocins, vector constructs containing such nucleic acids operably linked to a heterologous promoter, producer cells containing such vectors, the encoded enterocins, as well as methods of making and using such enterocins are described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the identification, cloning, and expression of a genetic locus within a Listeria monocytogenes genome that encodes a phage tail-like bacteriocin (PTLB), termed a monocin. Also provided are non-natural monocins, which have been engineered to have altered bactericidal specificity. Nucleic acid molecules encoding natural or non-natural monocins, vector constructs containing such nucleic acids operably linked to a heterologous promoter, producer cells containing such vectors, the encoded monocins, as well as methods of making and using such monocins are described.

Abstract: Recombinant P4 bacteriophage containing modified tail fibers having a base plate attachment region (BPAR) from a P2 bacteriophage gene H product and a heterologous receptor binding domain (RBD) are disclosed. Methods for the use of the recombinant P4 bacteriophage, such as to detect the presence of a target bacterium in a sample, are also described.

Abstract: Modified forms of naturally occurring bacteriocins, such as the R-type pyocins of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are disclosed as are methods for producing them in GRAS organisms. The bacteriocins are modified at the ends of their tail fibers in a region responsible for binding specificity and affinity to their cognate binding partners, or receptors, such as those on the surface of bacteria. Methods for the use of the modified bacteriocins, such as to bind receptors, including virulence or fitness factors, on the surfaces of bacteria, are also described.

Abstract: The invention is related to a transducing particle that comprises a bacteriophage coat and a DNA core that comprises plasmid DNA comprising: a) a host-specific bacteriophage packaging site wherein the packaging site is substantially in isolation from sequences naturally occurring adjacent thereto in the bacteriophage genome, b) a reporter gene, c) a bacteria-specific promoter operably linked to said reporter gene, d) a bacteria-specific origin of replication, and optionally e) an antibiotic resistance gene. The invention includes phage transducing particles, methods of making transducing particles, and methods of using the transducing particles in bacterial detection.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections by the use of polyvalent bacteriophage having multiple host range.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods of selecting a therapeutic bacteriophage and identifying bacteria in a sample. The sample may be obtained from a plant or animal subject diagnosed with a disease caused by a bacterial infection or an object suspected of being exposed to a bacterium. The activity of reporter molecules, either encoded in the bacteriophage genome or added during sample analysis, is used to determine whether bacteriophages are capable of infecting assayed bacteria. Also provided are methods of selecting a bacteriophage for potential use in treating of bacterial infection, based upon the selectivity of the bacteriophage host range for the bacterium. The bacteriophages or bacteria may be immobilized in an array, such that multiple bacteriophages and/or bacteria may be assayed. Kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention discloses compositions and methods for the prophylaxis and treatment of bacterial infections by the use of polyvalent bacteriophage having multiple host range.