Draft genome sequence of the Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus LBB.B5. Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strain:LBB.B5

Lactobacillus delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus strain LBB.B5 was isolated in Bulgaria in 1969 from home-made yoghurt. The strain was chosen for industrial application for yoghurt starters for its ability to form a strong association with selected Streptococcus thermophilus strains. The extent of protocooperation occurring between L. delbrueckii ssp. bulgaricus LBB.B5 and S. thermophilus allowed the continuous maintenance, passage and production of the combinations as co-cultures for more than 40 years now. The resulting starter cultures were used to produce Bulgarian yoghurt on industrial scale with its traditional taste, aroma and microbiological properties. Sequencing the genome of strain LBB.B5 will provide valuable data that can be used to elucidate the genetic background behind the contribution of this strain to the formation of the typical taste and aroma of Bulgarian yoghurt and its exceptional protocooperation with S. thermophilus.