Phage Ecology

This book is the first to explore the distribution, fate, and ecology of phage in the environment and point up the important applications of this information. The text begins with an historical overview, followed by a discussion of the current state of phage taxonomy. Next is covered the distribution patterns and fate of phage in diverse environments, e.g. soil, fresh water, marine water, and water and wastewater treatment plants. Factors that can influence the numbers and activity of phage populations, e.g. host and phage density, association of a phage with solids, presence of organic matter, temperature, pH, ultraviolet and visible light, concentration and types of ions present, and the metabolic activities of bacteria other than the phage host are examined. One chapter is devoted to the occurrence and implications of phage in various industries, e.g. dairy, wine, sausage, and antibiotic industries.