Cloning and expression of the lysostaphin gene in Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus casei.

The lysostaphin structural gene was cloned in Bacillus subtilis DSM402 and in Lactobacillus casei 102S. The gene was expressed in both organisms and active lysostaphin was released into the medium. Lysostaphin produced by these organisms induced lysis of growing and heat inactivated staphylococci. Expression in a protective starter organism is a prerequisite to produce lysostaphin in situ in fermenting foods and hence, to reduce the hygienical risk of staphylococcal food poisoning.