by Stephen T. Abedon Ph.D. Steve Abedon, Ph.D., has taught well over 100 individual classes and ~10 individual courses (including introductory biology, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, etc.) over his 30+ years as a college professor. He has over 150 publications, including multiple monographs, and is ranked in the top 1 or 2 percent among researchers of all disciplines worldwide. His research focuses on bacteriophage biology and phage therapy. (abedon.1@osu.edu)
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phage.org/terms/mixed_indicator_method.html · Abedon’s Books · DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.20173633
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The mixed indicator method is particularly valuable for distinguishing phage mutants that display a host-range broadening versus a switch in host range. With simply a switch, or no change in host range at all, plaques will form but will be turbid since only one of the two indicator bacteria will be lysed. With host-range broadening, such that both bacterial strains now serve as phage hosts (or at least are both susceptible to phage-induced lysis), then plaques will be clear.
The mixed indicator method is one means by which plaque turbidity can occur. Note that such turbidity can occur also as a consequence of inadvertent lawn contamination with sufficient quantities of a phage-insusceptible bacterial strain or species.
Abedon, S.T. (2026). Phage Terms. https://terms.phage.org · 10.5281/zenodo.20173633
Every term in the Glossary of Bacteriophage Terms. The current page is highlighted purple.