PRELIMINARY GROUPING OF MUTACINS

All the mutacins described so far have been shown to be different substances. To classify 86 mutacinogenic strains, we determined their activity spectra towards 12 standard oral streptococci and towards themselves, using a deferred antagonism test. The mutacinogenic strains could be grouped into 15 mutacinotypes according to their activity spectra against the 12 standard oral streptococci. By combining the results of their activity spectra and their sensitivity patterns amongst themselves, we defined 24 mutacin groups. Using the 24 type strains corresponding to these groups as producers and as indicators, it will be easier to classify new mutacin-producing isolates.