Abstract

An array of Bacillus licheniformis strains were isolated from a commercial powdered milk process. Bacteriophages exhibiting activity against B. licheniformis were isolated from cattle manure and effluent samples destined for a lagoon at a dairy farm. After sequencing, 8 of the 10 phages were found to be novel and genetically differentiated. Transmission electron scanning microscopy (TSEM) was performed. All bacteriophages were of the family Herelleviridae with contractile tail sheaths ranging from 80µm to 150µm and, surprisingly, survived a common fluid milk processing treatment used to inactivate vegetative cells. The survival of the phage after high temperature short time pasteurization of 73℃ for 20 s shows that the use of bacteriophages in milk to control B. licheniformis could be applied as a potential quality control, retarding the germination of spores and reduction of final spore counts in products with long run times such as dairy powders.

Degree

MS

College and Department

Life Sciences; Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Science

Rights

https://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

Date Submitted

2021-12-15

Document Type

Thesis

Handle

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/etd11987

Keywords

spore-forming bacteria, pasteurization, bacteriophage, thermal inactivation, biocontrol

Language

english

Included in

Life Sciences Commons

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