Class II Microcins in S. marcescens

Description and validation of a class of secreted bacteriocins, called class II microcins, in S. marcescens, a highly environmentally adaptable Gram-negative bacterium which can be found in both free-living and host-associated lifestyles. These microcins have not previously been described in S. marcescens and may facilitate the adaptability of S. marcescens to different environments. Identifying class II microcins and other factors which may contribute to interbacterial competition or colonization by S. marcescens could inform strategies to prevent S. marcescens infections.