ABSTRACT
Bacteriophages (phages) constitute the largest viral group, and virtually all bacterial species that have been investigated have proved to be susceptible to infection by one or more phages [1,2]. Phages are abundant and widely distributed in natural environments and can exist as both free virions or as integrated prophages in a host bacterium. The study of phages has tended to go hand in hand with studies of the various genera and species of host bacteria. From the beginnings of molecular biology to present times, phage systems have proved to be useful for investigating the molecular mechanisms underpinning genetics [3]. Phages have proved to be useful experimental systems, as they are convenient to maintain and relatively easy to manipulate. In addition to their use in fundamental research, phages have also been extensively studied in a number of bacterial groups with respect to their practical significance and applications, particularly for those bacterial species of medical and industrial importance.
