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Holger D, Kebriaei R, Morrisette T, Lev K, Alexander J, Rybak M. Clinical Pharmacology of Bacteriophage Therapy: A Focus on Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10050556. [PMID: 34064648 PMCID: PMC8151982 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10050556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated diseases and is among the top three priority pathogens listed by the World Health Organization (WHO). This Gram-negative pathogen is especially difficult to eradicate because it displays high intrinsic and acquired resistance to many antibiotics. In addition, growing concerns regarding the scarcity of antibiotics against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) P. aeruginosa infections necessitate alternative therapies. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that target and infect bacterial cells, and they represent a promising candidate for combatting MDR infections. The aim of this review was to highlight the clinical pharmacology considerations of phage therapy, such as pharmacokinetics, formulation, and dosing, while addressing several challenges associated with phage therapeutics for MDR P. aeruginosa infections. Further studies assessing phage pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will help to guide interested clinicians and phage researchers towards greater success with phage therapy for MDR P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Holger
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Razieh Kebriaei
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Taylor Morrisette
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Katherine Lev
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Jose Alexander
- Department of Microbiology, Virology and Immunology, AdventHealth Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
| | - Michael Rybak
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Department of Pharmacy, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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202
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Hill N, De Peña AC, Miller A, Lapizco-Encinas BH. On the potential of microscale electrokinetic cascade devices. Electrophoresis 2021; 42:2474-2482. [PMID: 33970503 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202100069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Phages used for phage therapy of multidrug resistant bacteria must be highly purified prior to use. There are limited purification approaches that are broadly applicable to many phage types. Electrokinetics has shown great potential to manipulate phages, but obstructions from the cell debris produced during phage propagation can severely diminish the capacity of an electrokinetic device to concentrate and purify phage samples. A multipart insulator-based electrokinetic device is proposed here to remove the larger, undesirable components of mixtures from phage preparations while transferring the freshly purified and concentrated sample to a second stage for downstream analysis. By combining the large debris prescreen and analysis stages in a streamlined system, this approach simultaneously reduces the impact of clogging and minimizes the sample loss observed during manual transferring of purified samples. Polystyrene particles were used to demonstrate a diminished sample loss of approximately one order of magnitude when using the cascade device as opposed to a manual transfer scheme. The purification and concentration of three different phage samples were demonstrated using the first stage of the cascade device as a prescreen. This design provides a simple method of purifying and concentrating valuable samples from a complex mixture that might impede separation capacity in a single channel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Hill
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Coll De Peña
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA.,Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Abbi Miller
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Blanca H Lapizco-Encinas
- Microscale Bioseparations Laboratory and Biomedical Engineering Department, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, USA
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203
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Walsh L, Johnson CN, Hill C, Ross RP. Efficacy of Phage- and Bacteriocin-Based Therapies in Combatting Nosocomial MRSA Infections. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:654038. [PMID: 33996906 PMCID: PMC8116899 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.654038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogen commonly found in nosocomial environments where infections can easily spread - especially given the reduced immune response of patients and large overlap between personnel in charge of their care. Although antibiotics are available to treat nosocomial infections, the increased occurrence of antibiotic resistance has rendered many treatments ineffective. Such is the case for methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which has continued to be a threat to public health since its emergence. For this reason, alternative treatment technologies utilizing antimicrobials such as bacteriocins, bacteriophages (phages) and phage endolysins are being developed. These antimicrobials provide an advantage over antibiotics in that many have narrow inhibition spectra, enabling treatments to be selected based on the target (pathogenic) bacterium while allowing for survival of commensal bacteria and thus avoiding collateral damage to the microbiome. Bacterial resistance to these treatments occurs less frequently than with antibiotics, particularly in circumstances where combinatory antimicrobial therapies are used. Phage therapy has been well established in Eastern Europe as an effective treatment against bacterial infections. While there are no Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) to our knowledge examining phage treatment of S. aureus infections that have completed all trial phases, numerous clinical trials are underway, and several commercial phage preparations are currently available to treat S. aureus infections. Bacteriocins have primarily been used in the food industry for bio-preservation applications. However, the idea of repurposing bacteriocins for human health is an attractive one considering their efficacy against many bacterial pathogens. There are concerns about the ability of bacteriocins to survive the gastrointestinal tract given their proteinaceous nature, however, this obstacle may be overcome by altering the administration route of the therapy through encapsulation, or by bioengineering protease-resistant variants. Obstacles such as enzymatic digestion are less of an issue for topical/local administration, for example, application to the surface of the skin. Bacteriocins have also shown impressive synergistic effects when used in conjunction with other antimicrobials, including antibiotics, which may allow antibiotic-based therapies to be used more sparingly with less resistance development. This review provides an updated account of known bacteriocins, phages and phage endolysins which have demonstrated an impressive ability to kill S. aureus strains. In particular, examples of antimicrobials with the ability to target MRSA strains and their subsequent use in a clinical setting are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Walsh
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Crystal N Johnson
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Cork, Ireland
| | - Colin Hill
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - R Paul Ross
- School of Microbiology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Cork, Ireland
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204
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Abdelsattar AS, Dawoud A, Makky S, Nofal R, Aziz RK, El-Shibiny A. Bacteriophages: from isolation to application. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2021; 23:337-360. [PMID: 33902418 DOI: 10.2174/1389201022666210426092002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are considered as a potential alternative to fight pathogenic bacteria during the antibiotic resistance era. With their high specificity, they are being widely used in various applications: medicine, food industry, agriculture, animal farms, biotechnology, diagnosis, etc. Many techniques have been designed by different researchers for phage isolation, purification, and amplification, each of which has strengths and weaknesses. However, all aim at having a reasonably pure phage sample that can be further characterized. Phages can be characterized based on their physiological, morphological or inactivation tests. Microscopy, in particular, has opened a wide gate not only for visualizing phage morphological structure, but also for monitoring biochemistry and behavior. Meanwhile, computational analysis of phage genomes provides more details about phage history, lifestyle, and potential for toxigenic or lysogenic conversion, which translate to safety in biocontrol and phage therapy applications. This review summarizes phage application pipelines at different levels and addresses specific restrictions and knowledge gaps in the field. Recently developed computational approaches, which are used in phage genome analysis, are critically assessed. We hope that this assessment provides researchers with useful insights for selection of suitable approaches for Phage-related research aims and applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah S Abdelsattar
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578. Egypt
| | - Alyaa Dawoud
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578. Egypt
| | - Salsabil Makky
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578. Egypt
| | - Rana Nofal
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578. Egypt
| | - Ramy K Aziz
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Qasr El-Ainy St, Cairo. Egypt
| | - Ayman El-Shibiny
- Center for Microbiology and Phage Therapy, Zewail City of Science and Technology, October Gardens, 6th of October City, Giza, 12578. Egypt
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205
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Synergistic action of phage phiIPLA-RODI and lytic protein CHAPSH3b: a combination strategy to target Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:39. [PMID: 33888725 PMCID: PMC8062563 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00208-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus is considered a priority pathogen due to its increasing acquisition of antibiotic resistance determinants. Additionally, this microbe has the ability to form recalcitrant biofilms on different biotic and inert surfaces. In this context, bacteriophages and their derived lytic proteins may be a forward-looking strategy to help combat staphylococcal biofilms. However, these antimicrobials exhibit individual limitations that may be overcome by combining them with other compounds. This work investigates the combination of a phage-derived lytic protein, CHAPSH3b, and the virulent bacteriophage phiIPLA-RODI. The obtained results show the synergy between both antimicrobials for the treatment of 24-h-old S. aureus biofilms, with greater reductions in viable cell counts observed when phage and lysin are applied together compared to the individual treatments. Time-kill curves and confocal microscopy revealed that the fast antibacterial action of CHAPSH3b reduces the population up to 7 hours after initial exposure, which is subsequently followed by phage predation, limiting regrowth of the bacterial population. Moreover, at least 90% of bacteriophage insensitive mutants are susceptible to the lytic protein. Therefore, CHAPSH3b might help curtail the development of phage resistance during treatment. The combination of the lysin and phiIPLA-RODI also showed promising results in an ex vivo pig skin model of wound infection. Overall, the results of this study demonstrate that the combination of phage-derived lytic proteins and bacteriophages can be a viable strategy to develop improved antibiofilm products.
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206
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Langendonk RF, Neill DR, Fothergill JL. The Building Blocks of Antimicrobial Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Implications for Current Resistance-Breaking Therapies. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:665759. [PMID: 33937104 PMCID: PMC8085337 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.665759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
P. aeruginosa is classified as a priority one pathogen by the World Health Organisation, and new drugs are urgently needed, due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains. Antimicrobial-resistant nosocomial pathogens such as P. aeruginosa pose unwavering and increasing threats. Antimicrobial stewardship has been a challenge during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a majority of those hospitalized with SARS-CoV2 infection given antibiotics as a safeguard against secondary bacterial infection. This increased usage, along with increased handling of sanitizers and disinfectants globally, may further accelerate the development and spread of cross-resistance to antibiotics. In addition, P. aeruginosa is the primary causative agent of morbidity and mortality in people with the life-shortening genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF). Prolonged periods of selective pressure, associated with extended antibiotic treatment and the actions of host immune effectors, results in widespread adaptive and acquired resistance in P. aeruginosa found colonizing the lungs of people with CF. This review discusses the arsenal of resistance mechanisms utilized by P. aeruginosa, how these operate under high-stress environments such as the CF lung and how their interconnectedness can result in resistance to multiple antibiotic classes. Intrinsic, adaptive and acquired resistance mechanisms will be described, with a focus on how each layer of resistance can serve as a building block, contributing to multi-tiered resistance to antimicrobial activity. Recent progress in the development of anti-resistance adjuvant therapies, targeting one or more of these building blocks, should lead to novel strategies for combatting multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa. Anti-resistance adjuvant therapy holds great promise, not least because resistance against such therapeutics is predicted to be rare. The non-bactericidal nature of anti-resistance adjuvants reduce the selective pressures that drive resistance. Anti-resistance adjuvant therapy may also be advantageous in facilitating efficacious use of traditional antimicrobials, through enhanced penetration of the antibiotic into the bacterial cell. Promising anti-resistance adjuvant therapeutics and targets will be described, and key remaining challenges highlighted. As antimicrobial stewardship becomes more challenging in an era of emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases and global conflict, innovation in antibiotic adjuvant therapy can play an important role in extending the shelf-life of our existing antimicrobial therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Frèdi Langendonk
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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207
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Harada LK, Júnior WB, Silva EC, Oliveira TJ, Moreli FC, Júnior JMO, Tubino M, Vila MMDC, Balcão VM. Bacteriophage-Based Biosensing of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An Integrated Approach for the Putative Real-Time Detection of Multi-Drug-Resistant Strains. BIOSENSORS-BASEL 2021; 11:bios11040124. [PMID: 33921071 PMCID: PMC8071457 DOI: 10.3390/bios11040124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
During the last decennium, it has become widely accepted that ubiquitous bacterial viruses, or bacteriophages, exert enormous influences on our planet’s biosphere, killing between 4–50% of the daily produced bacteria and constituting the largest genetic diversity pool on our planet. Currently, bacterial infections linked to healthcare services are widespread, which, when associated with the increasing surge of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms, play a major role in patient morbidity and mortality. In this scenario, Pseudomonas aeruginosa alone is responsible for ca. 13–15% of all hospital-acquired infections. The pathogen P. aeruginosa is an opportunistic one, being endowed with metabolic versatility and high (both intrinsic and acquired) resistance to antibiotics. Bacteriophages (or phages) have been recognized as a tool with high potential for the detection of bacterial infections since these metabolically inert entities specifically attach to, and lyse, bacterial host cells, thus, allowing confirmation of the presence of viable cells. In the research effort described herein, three different phages with broad lytic spectrum capable of infecting P. aeruginosa were isolated from environmental sources. The isolated phages were elected on the basis of their ability to form clear and distinctive plaques, which is a hallmark characteristic of virulent phages. Next, their structural and functional stabilization was achieved via entrapment within the matrix of porous alginate, biopolymeric, and bio-reactive, chromogenic hydrogels aiming at their use as sensitive matrices producing both color changes and/or light emissions evolving from a reaction with (released) cytoplasmic moieties, as a bio-detection kit for P. aeruginosa cells. Full physicochemical and biological characterization of the isolated bacteriophages was the subject of a previous research paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliam K. Harada
- PhageLab—Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP 18023-000, Brazil; (L.K.H.); (E.C.S.); (T.J.O.); (F.C.M.); (J.M.O.J.); (M.M.D.C.V.)
| | | | - Erica C. Silva
- PhageLab—Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP 18023-000, Brazil; (L.K.H.); (E.C.S.); (T.J.O.); (F.C.M.); (J.M.O.J.); (M.M.D.C.V.)
| | - Thais J. Oliveira
- PhageLab—Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP 18023-000, Brazil; (L.K.H.); (E.C.S.); (T.J.O.); (F.C.M.); (J.M.O.J.); (M.M.D.C.V.)
| | - Fernanda C. Moreli
- PhageLab—Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP 18023-000, Brazil; (L.K.H.); (E.C.S.); (T.J.O.); (F.C.M.); (J.M.O.J.); (M.M.D.C.V.)
| | - José M. Oliveira Júnior
- PhageLab—Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP 18023-000, Brazil; (L.K.H.); (E.C.S.); (T.J.O.); (F.C.M.); (J.M.O.J.); (M.M.D.C.V.)
| | - Matthieu Tubino
- Institute of Chemistry, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP 13083-970, Brazil;
| | - Marta M. D. C. Vila
- PhageLab—Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP 18023-000, Brazil; (L.K.H.); (E.C.S.); (T.J.O.); (F.C.M.); (J.M.O.J.); (M.M.D.C.V.)
| | - Victor M. Balcão
- PhageLab—Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP 18023-000, Brazil; (L.K.H.); (E.C.S.); (T.J.O.); (F.C.M.); (J.M.O.J.); (M.M.D.C.V.)
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, P-3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(15)-2101-7029
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208
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Loponte R, Pagnini U, Iovane G, Pisanelli G. Phage Therapy in Veterinary Medicine. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10040421. [PMID: 33920369 PMCID: PMC8069180 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10040421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
To overcome the obstacle of antimicrobial resistance, researchers are investigating the use of phage therapy as an alternative and/or supplementation to antibiotics to treat and prevent infections both in humans and in animals. In the first part of this review, we describe the unique biological characteristics of bacteriophages and the crucial aspects influencing the success of phage therapy. However, despite their efficacy and safety, there is still no specific legislation that regulates their use. In the second part of this review, we describe the comprehensive research done in the past and recent years to address the use of phage therapy for the treatment and prevention of bacterial disease affecting domestic animals as an alternative to antibiotic treatments. While in farm animals, phage therapy efficacy perspectives have been widely studied in vitro and in vivo, especially for zoonoses and diseases linked to economic losses (such as mastitis), in pets, studies are still few and rather recent.
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209
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Sáez Moreno D, Visram Z, Mutti M, Restrepo-Córdoba M, Hartmann S, Kremers AI, Tišáková L, Schertler S, Wittmann J, Kalali B, Monecke S, Ehricht R, Resch G, Corsini L. ε 2-Phages Are Naturally Bred and Have a Vastly Improved Host Range in Staphylococcus aureus over Wild Type Phages. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:325. [PMID: 33918287 PMCID: PMC8065394 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance, and the difficulties of treating biofilm-associated infections, alternative treatments for S. aureus infections are urgently needed. We tested the lytic activity of several wild type phages against a panel of 110 S. aureus strains (MRSA/MSSA) composed to reflect the prevalence of S. aureus clonal complexes in human infections. The plaquing host ranges (PHR) of the wild type phages were in the range of 51% to 60%. We also measured what we called the kinetic host range (KHR), i.e., the percentage of strains for which growth in suspension was suppressed for 24 h. The KHR of the wild type phages ranged from 2% to 49%, substantially lower than the PHRs. To improve the KHR and other key pharmaceutical properties, we bred the phages by mixing and propagating cocktails on a subset of S. aureus strains. These bred phages, which we termed evolution-squared (ε2) phages, have broader KHRs up to 64% and increased virulence compared to the ancestors. The ε2-phages with the broadest KHR have genomes intercrossed from up to three different ancestors. We composed a cocktail of three ε2-phages with an overall KHR of 92% and PHR of 96% on 110 S. aureus strains and called it PM-399. PM-399 has a lower propensity to resistance formation than the standard of care antibiotics vancomycin, rifampicin, or their combination, and no resistance was observed in laboratory settings (detection limit: 1 cell in 1011). In summary, ε2-phages and, in particular PM-399, are promising candidates for an alternative treatment of S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sáez Moreno
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Zehra Visram
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Michele Mutti
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Marcela Restrepo-Córdoba
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Susana Hartmann
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Ana Isabel Kremers
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Lenka Tišáková
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Susanne Schertler
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Benham Kalali
- Bactrace Biotec AG, Neherstr. 1, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Stefan Monecke
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (S.M.); (R.E.)
- Institute of Medical Microbiologye and Hygiene, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Fiedlerstr. 42, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Ralf Ehricht
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), 07745 Jena, Germany; (S.M.); (R.E.)
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, 07743 Jena, Germany
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Friedrich-Schiller University, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Grégory Resch
- Department of Fundamental Microbiology, University Lausanne, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Lorenzo Corsini
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, Leberstrasse 20, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (Z.V.); (M.M.); (M.R.-C.); (S.H.); (A.I.K.); (L.T.)
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210
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Haines MEK, Hodges FE, Nale JY, Mahony J, van Sinderen D, Kaczorowska J, Alrashid B, Akter M, Brown N, Sauvageau D, Sicheritz-Pontén T, Thanki AM, Millard AD, Galyov EE, Clokie MRJ. Analysis of Selection Methods to Develop Novel Phage Therapy Cocktails Against Antimicrobial Resistant Clinical Isolates of Bacteria. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:613529. [PMID: 33868187 PMCID: PMC8044893 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.613529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major problem globally. The main bacterial organisms associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) associated sepsis are E. coli and Klebsiella along with Enterobacter species. These all have AMR strains known as ESBL (Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase), which are featured on the WHO priority pathogens list as "critical" for research. Bacteriophages (phages), as viruses that can infect and kill bacteria, could provide an effective tool to tackle these AMR strains. There is currently no "gold standard" for developing a phage cocktail. Here we describe a novel approach to develop an effective phage cocktail against a set of ESBL-producing E. coli and Klebsiella largely isolated from patients in United Kingdom hospitals. By comparing different measures of phage efficacy, we show which are the most robust, and suggest an efficient screening cascade that could be used to develop phage cocktails to target other AMR bacterial species. A target panel of 38 ESBL-producing clinical strains isolated from urine samples was collated and used to test phage efficacy. After an initial screening of 68 phages, six were identified and tested against these 38 strains to determine their clinical coverage and killing efficiency. To achieve this, we assessed four different methods to assess phage virulence across these bacterial isolates. These were the Direct Spot Test (DST), the Efficiency of Plating (EOP) assay, the planktonic killing assay (PKA) and the biofilm assay. The final ESBL cocktail of six phages could effectively kill 23/38 strains (61%), for Klebsiella 13/19 (68%) and for E. coli 10/19 (53%) based on the PKA data. The ESBL E. coli collection had six isolates from the prevalent UTI-associated ST131 sequence type, five of which were targeted effectively by the final cocktail. Of the four methods used to assess phage virulence, the data suggests that PKAs are as effective as the much more time-consuming EOPs and data for the two assays correlates well. This suggests that planktonic killing is a good proxy to determine which phages should be used in a cocktail. This assay when combined with the virulence index also allows "phage synergy" to inform cocktail design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa E. K. Haines
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca E. Hodges
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Y. Nale
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Joanna Kaczorowska
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Bandar Alrashid
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahmuda Akter
- International Centre for Diarrheal Diseases Research, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nathan Brown
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Dominic Sauvageau
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Thomas Sicheritz-Pontén
- Section for Evolutionary Genomics, The GLOBE Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Centre of Excellence for Omics-Driven Computational Biodiscovery (COMBio), Faculty of Applied Sciences, AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia
| | - Anisha M. Thanki
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew D. Millard
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Edouard E. Galyov
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Martha R. J. Clokie
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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211
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Hashemi Shahraki A, Mirsaeidi M. Phage Therapy for Mycobacterium Abscessus and Strategies to Improve Outcomes. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9030596. [PMID: 33799414 PMCID: PMC7999966 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9030596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of Mycobacterium abscessus complex are known for causing severe, chronic infections. Members of M. abscessus are a new "antibiotic nightmare" as one of the most resistant organisms to chemotherapeutic agents. Treatment of these infections is challenging due to the either intrinsic or acquired resistance of the M. abscessus complex to the available antibiotics. Recently, successful phage therapy with a cocktail of three phages (one natural lytic phage and two engineered phages) every 12 h for at least 32 weeks has been reported against a severe case of the disseminated M. abscessus subsp. massiliense infection, which underlines the high value of phages against drug-resistant superbugs. This report also highlighted the limitations of phage therapy, such as the absence of lytic phages with a broad host-range against all strains and subspecies of the M. abscessus complex and also the risk of phage resistant bacteria over treatment. Cutting-edge genomic technologies have facilitated the development of engineered phages for therapeutic purposes by introducing new desirable properties, changing host-range and arming the phages with additional killing genes. Here, we review the available literature and suggest new potential solutions based on the progress in phage engineering that can help to overcome the present limitations of M. abscessus treatment.
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212
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Molina F, Simancas A, Ramírez M, Tabla R, Roa I, Rebollo JE. A New Pipeline for Designing Phage Cocktails Based on Phage-Bacteria Infection Networks. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:564532. [PMID: 33664712 PMCID: PMC7920989 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.564532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and efforts to preserve food microbiota have induced renewed interest in phage therapy. Phage cocktails, instead of a single phage, are commonly used as antibacterial agents since the hosts are unlikely to become resistant to several phages simultaneously. While the spectrum of activity might increase with cocktail complexity, excessive phages could produce side effects, such as the horizontal transfer of genes that augment the fitness of host strains, dysbiosis or high manufacturing costs. Therefore, cocktail formulation represents a compromise between achieving substantial reduction in the bacterial loads and restricting its complexity. Despite the abovementioned points, the observed bacterial load reduction does not increase significantly with the size of phage cocktails, indicating the requirement for a systematic approach to their design. In this work, the information provided by host range matrices was analyzed after building phage-bacteria infection networks (PBINs). To this end, we conducted a meta-analysis of 35 host range matrices, including recently published studies and new datasets comprising Escherichia coli strains isolated during ripening of artisanal raw milk cheese and virulent coliphages from ewes' feces. The nestedness temperature, which reflects the host range hierarchy of the phages, was determined from bipartite host range matrices using heuristic (Nestedness Temperature Calculator) and genetic (BinMatNest) algorithms. The latter optimizes matrix packing, leading to lower temperatures, i.e., it simplifies the identification of the phages with the broadest host range. The structure of infection networks suggests that generalist phages (and not specialist phages) tend to succeed in infecting less susceptible bacteria. A new metric (Φ), which considers some properties of the host range matrices (fill, temperature, and number of bacteria), is proposed as an estimator of phage cocktail size. To identify the best candidates, agglomerative hierarchical clustering using Ward's method was implemented. Finally, a cocktail was formulated for the biocontrol of cheese-isolated E. coli, reducing bacterial counts by five orders of magnitude.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Molina
- Genetics, Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Alfredo Simancas
- Genetics, Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Manuel Ramírez
- Microbiology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Rafael Tabla
- Dairy Department, Scientific and Technological Research Centre of Extremadura, Technological Institute of Food and Agriculture, Junta de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - Isidro Roa
- Dairy Department, Scientific and Technological Research Centre of Extremadura, Technological Institute of Food and Agriculture, Junta de Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
| | - José Emilio Rebollo
- Genetics, Department of Biochemistry Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Extremadura, Badajoz, Spain
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213
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Li M, Chang RYK, Lin Y, Morales S, Kutter E, Chan HK. Phage cocktail powder for Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory infections. Int J Pharm 2021; 596:120200. [PMID: 33486032 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2021.120200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Phage cocktail broadens the host range compared with a single phage and minimizes the development of phage-resistant bacteria thereby promoting the long-term usefulness of inhaled phage therapy. In this study, we produced a phage cocktail powder by spray drying three Pseudomonas phages PEV2 (podovirus), PEV1 and PEV20 (both myovirus) with lactose (80 wt%) and leucine (20 wt%) as excipients. Our results showed that the phages remained viable in the spray dried powder, with little to mild titer reduction (ranging from 0.11 to 1.3 logs) against each of their specific bacterial strains. The powder contained spherical particles with a small volume median diameter of 1.9 µm (span 1.5), a moisture content of 3.5 ± 0.2 wt%., and was largely amorphous with some crystalline peaks, which were assigned to the excipient leucine, as shown in the X-ray diffraction pattern. When the powder was dispersed using the low- and high-resistance Osmohalers, the fine particle fraction (FPF, wt. % of particles < 5 µm in the aerosols relative to the loaded dose) values were 45.37 ± 0.27% and 62.69 ± 2.1% at the flow rate of 100 and 60 L/min, respectively. In conclusion, the PEV phage cocktail powder produced was stable, inhalable and efficacious in vitro against various MDR P. aeruginosa strains that cause pulmonary infections. This formulation will broaden the bactericidal spectrum and reduce the emergence of resistance in bacteria compared with single-phage formulations reported previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Li
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachel Yoon Kyung Chang
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yu Lin
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Hak-Kim Chan
- Advanced Drug Delivery Group, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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214
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Townsend EM, Kelly L, Gannon L, Muscatt G, Dunstan R, Michniewski S, Sapkota H, Kiljunen SJ, Kolsi A, Skurnik M, Lithgow T, Millard AD, Jameson E. Isolation and Characterization of Klebsiella Phages for Phage Therapy. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2021; 2:26-42. [PMID: 33796863 PMCID: PMC8006926 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2020.0046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Klebsiella is a clinically important pathogen causing a variety of antimicrobial resistant infections in both community and nosocomial settings, particularly pneumonia, urinary tract infection, and sepsis. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is being considered a primary option for the treatment of drug-resistant infections of these types. Methods: We report the successful isolation and characterization of 30 novel, genetically diverse Klebsiella phages. Results: The isolated phages span six different phage families and nine genera, representing both lysogenic and lytic lifestyles. Individual Klebsiella phage isolates infected up to 11 of the 18 Klebsiella capsule types tested, and all 18 capsule-types were infected by at least one of the phages. Conclusions: Of the Klebsiella-infecting phages presented in this study, the lytic phages are most suitable for phage therapy, based on their broad host range, high virulence, short lysis period and given that they encode no known toxin or antimicrobial resistance genes. Phage isolates belonging to the Sugarlandvirus and Slopekvirus genera were deemed most suitable for phage therapy based on our characterization. Importantly, when applied alone, none of the characterized phages were able to suppress the growth of Klebsiella for more than 12 h, likely due to the inherent ease of Klebsiella to generate spontaneous phage-resistant mutants. This indicates that for successful phage therapy, a cocktail of multiple phages would be necessary to treat Klebsiella infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor M. Townsend
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Kelly
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Lucy Gannon
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - George Muscatt
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Rhys Dunstan
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Slawomir Michniewski
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Hari Sapkota
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology and Behaviour, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Saija J. Kiljunen
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Kolsi
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikael Skurnik
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Helsinki University Hospital, HUSLAB, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Trevor Lithgow
- Infection and Immunity Program, Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrew D. Millard
- Department of Genetics, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Jameson
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, The University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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215
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Hassan AY, Lin JT, Ricker N, Anany H. The Age of Phage: Friend or Foe in the New Dawn of Therapeutic and Biocontrol Applications? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:199. [PMID: 33670836 PMCID: PMC7997343 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extended overuse and misuse of antibiotics and other antibacterial agents has resulted in an antimicrobial resistance crisis. Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria, have emerged as a legitimate alternative antibacterial agent with a wide scope of applications which continue to be discovered and refined. However, the potential of some bacteriophages to aid in the acquisition, maintenance, and dissemination of negatively associated bacterial genes, including resistance and virulence genes, through transduction is of concern and requires deeper understanding in order to be properly addressed. In particular, their ability to interact with mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, genomic islands, and integrative conjugative elements (ICEs) enables bacteriophages to contribute greatly to bacterial evolution. Nonetheless, bacteriophages have the potential to be used as therapeutic and biocontrol agents within medical, agricultural, and food processing settings, against bacteria in both planktonic and biofilm environments. Additionally, bacteriophages have been deployed in developing rapid, sensitive, and specific biosensors for various bacterial targets. Intriguingly, their bioengineering capabilities show great promise in improving their adaptability and effectiveness as biocontrol and detection tools. This review aims to provide a balanced perspective on bacteriophages by outlining advantages, challenges, and future steps needed in order to boost their therapeutic and biocontrol potential, while also providing insight on their potential role in contributing to bacterial evolution and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Y. Hassan
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada;
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Janet T. Lin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, College of Biological Science, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Nicole Ricker
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada;
| | - Hany Anany
- Guelph Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada;
- Department of Food Science, Ontario Agricultural College, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
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216
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Niu YD, Liu H, Du H, Meng R, Sayed Mahmoud E, Wang G, McAllister TA, Stanford K. Efficacy of Individual Bacteriophages Does Not Predict Efficacy of Bacteriophage Cocktails for Control of Escherichia coli O157. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:616712. [PMID: 33717006 PMCID: PMC7943454 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.616712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Effectiveness of bacteriophages AKFV33 (Tequintavirus, T5) and AHP24 (Rogunavirus, T1), wV7 (Tequatrovirus, T4), and AHP24S (Vequintavirus, rV5), as well as 11 cocktails of combinations of the four phages, were evaluated in vitro for biocontrol of six common phage types of Escherichia coli O157 (human and bovine origins) at different multiplicities of infection (MOIs; 0.01–1,000), temperatures (37 or 22°C), and exposure times (10–22 h). Phage efficacy against O157 was highest at MOI 1,000 (P < 0.001) and after 14-18 h of exposure at 22°C (P < 0.001). The activity of individual phages against O157 did not predict the activity of a cocktail of these phages even at the same temperature and MOI. Combinations of phages were neutral (no better or worse than the most effective constituent phages acting alone), displayed facilitation (greater efficacy than the most effective constituent phages acting alone), or antagonistic (lower efficacy than the most effective constituent phages acting alone). Across MOIs, temperatures, exposure time, and O157 strains, a cocktail of T1, T4, and rV5 was most effective (P < 0.05) against O157, although T1 and rV5 were less effective (P < 0.001) than other individual phages. T5 was the most effective individual phages (P < 0.05), but was antagonistic to other phages, particularly rV5 and T4 + rV5. Interactions among phages were influenced by phage genera and phage combination, O157 strains, MOIs, incubation temperatures, and times. Based on this study, future development of phage cocktails should, as a minimum, include confirmation of a lack of antagonism among constituent phages and preferably confirmation of facilitation or synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan D Niu
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hui Liu
- Hohhot Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Hohhot, China.,Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Hechao Du
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruiqiang Meng
- Inner Mongolia C. P. Livestock Husbandry Co., Ltd., Hohhot, China
| | - El Sayed Mahmoud
- School of Applied Computing, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Sheridan College, Oakville, ON, Canada
| | - Guihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Department of Biological Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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217
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Aghaee BL, Khan Mirzaei M, Alikhani MY, Mojtahedi A, Maurice CF. Improving the Inhibitory Effect of Phages against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from a Burn Patient Using a Combination of Phages and Antibiotics. Viruses 2021; 13:334. [PMID: 33670028 PMCID: PMC7926668 DOI: 10.3390/v13020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance causes around 700,000 deaths a year worldwide. Without immediate action, we are fast approaching a post-antibiotic era in which common infections can result in death. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the leading cause of nosocomial infection and is also one of the three bacterial pathogens in the WHO list of priority bacteria for developing new antibiotics against. A viable alternative to antibiotics is to use phages, which are bacterial viruses. Yet, the isolation of phages that efficiently kill their target bacteria has proven difficult. Using a combination of phages and antibiotics might increase treatment efficacy and prevent the development of resistance against phages and/or antibiotics, as evidenced by previous studies. Here, in vitro populations of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain isolated from a burn patient were treated with a single phage, a mixture of two phages (used simultaneously and sequentially), and the combination of phages and antibiotics (at sub-minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and MIC levels). In addition, we tested the stability of these phages at different temperatures, pH values, and in two burn ointments. Our results show that the two-phages-one-antibiotic combination had the highest killing efficiency against the P. aeruginosa strain. The phages tested showed low stability at high temperatures, acidic pH values, and in the two ointments. This work provides additional support for the potential of using combinations of phage-antibiotic cocktails at sub-MIC levels for the treatment of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Lashtoo Aghaee
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 65178-38678, Iran;
| | - Mohammadali Khan Mirzaei
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Center Munich and Technical University of Munich, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany;
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
| | - Mohammad Yousef Alikhani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan 65178-38678, Iran;
| | - Ali Mojtahedi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht 41938-33697, Iran
| | - Corinne F. Maurice
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 0B1, Canada
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218
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Guo D, Chen J, Zhao X, Luo Y, Jin M, Fan F, Park C, Yang X, Sun C, Yan J, Chen W, Liu Z. Genetic and Chemical Engineering of Phages for Controlling Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10020202. [PMID: 33669513 PMCID: PMC7922366 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Along with the excessive use of antibiotics, the emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria has become a public health problem and a great challenge vis-à-vis the control and treatment of bacterial infections. As the natural predators of bacteria, phages have reattracted researchers' attentions. Phage therapy is regarded as one of the most promising alternative strategies to fight pathogens in the post-antibiotic era. Recently, genetic and chemical engineering methods have been applied in phage modification. Among them, genetic engineering includes the expression of toxin proteins, modification of host recognition receptors, and interference of bacterial phage-resistant pathways. Chemical engineering, meanwhile, involves crosslinking phage coats with antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, heavy metal ions, and photothermic matters. Those advances greatly expand the host range of phages and increase their bactericidal efficiency, which sheds light on the application of phage therapy in the control of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This review reports on engineered phages through genetic and chemical approaches. Further, we present the obstacles that this novel antimicrobial has incurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingming Guo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jingchao Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xueyang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China; (X.Z.); (M.J.)
| | - Yanan Luo
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Menglu Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, Henan, China; (X.Z.); (M.J.)
| | - Fenxia Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, National Institute for Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 102206, China;
| | - Chaiwoo Park
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xiaoman Yang
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Chuqing Sun
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Jin Yan
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
| | - Weihua Chen
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-27-87001156 (Z.L.)
| | - Zhi Liu
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (D.G.); (J.C.); (Y.L.); (C.P.); (X.Y.); (C.S.); (J.Y.)
- Correspondence: (W.C.); (Z.L.); Tel.: +86-27-87001156 (Z.L.)
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Esmael A, Azab E, Gobouri AA, Nasr-Eldin MA, Moustafa MMA, Mohamed SA, Badr OAM, Abdelatty AM. Isolation and Characterization of Two Lytic Bacteriophages Infecting a Multi-Drug Resistant Salmonella Typhimurium and Their Efficacy to Combat Salmonellosis in Ready-to-Use Foods. Microorganisms 2021; 9:423. [PMID: 33670722 PMCID: PMC7922427 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Foodborne salmonellosis is a global threat to public health. In the current study, we describe the isolation and characterization of two broad-spectrum, lytic Salmonella phages: SPHG1 and SPHG3 infecting a multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium EG.SmT3. Electron microscopy and whole genome analysis identified SPHG1 as a Myovirus, while SPHG3 as a new member of the genus "Kuttervirus" within the family Ackermannviridae. SPHG1 and SPHG3 had a lysis time of 60 min. with burst sizes of 104 and 138 PFU/cell, respectively. The two phages were robust at variable temperatures and pH ranges that match the corresponding values of most of the food storage and processing conditions. A phage cocktail containing the two phages was stable in the tested food articles for up to 48 h. The application of the phage cocktail at MOIs of 1000 or 100 resulted in a significant reduction in the viable count of S. Typhimurium by 4.2 log10/sample in milk, water, and on chicken breast. Additionally, the phage cocktail showed a prospective ability to eradicate and reduce the biofilm that formed by S. Typhimurium EG.SmT3. A phage cocktail of SPHG1 and SPHG3 is considered as a promising candidate as a biocontrol agent against foodborne salmonellosis due to its broad host ranges, highly lytic activities, and the absence of any virulence or lysogeny-related genes in their genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Esmael
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Qalubiya Governorate 13511, Egypt;
| | - Ehab Azab
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Adil A. Gobouri
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mohamed A. Nasr-Eldin
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Qalubiya Governorate 13511, Egypt;
| | - Mahmoud M. A. Moustafa
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Qalubiya Governorate 13736, Egypt; (M.M.A.M.); (S.A.M.); (O.A.M.B.)
| | - Shereen A. Mohamed
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Qalubiya Governorate 13736, Egypt; (M.M.A.M.); (S.A.M.); (O.A.M.B.)
| | - Omnia A. M. Badr
- Department of Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Qalubiya Governorate 13736, Egypt; (M.M.A.M.); (S.A.M.); (O.A.M.B.)
| | - Alzahraa M. Abdelatty
- Department of Nutrition and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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220
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Speck PG, Warner MS, Bihari S, Bersten AD, Mitchell JG, Tucci J, Gordon DL. Potential for bacteriophage therapy for Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia with influenza A coinfection. Future Microbiol 2021; 16:135-142. [PMID: 33538181 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2020-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of influenza A virus to evolve, coupled with increasing antimicrobial resistance, could trigger an influenza pandemic with great morbidity and mortality. Much of the 1918 influenza pandemic mortality was likely due to bacterial coinfection, including Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia. S. aureus resists many antibiotics. The lack of new antibiotics suggests alternative antimicrobials, such as bacteriophages, are needed. Potential delivery routes for bacteriophage therapy (BT) include inhalation and intravenous injection. BT has recently been used successfully in compassionate access pulmonary infection cases. Phage lysins, enzymes that hydrolyze bacterial cell walls and which are bactericidal, are efficacious in animal pneumonia models. Clinical trials will be needed to determine whether BT can ameliorate disease in influenza and S. aureus coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter G Speck
- Flinders University of South Australia, College of Science and Engineering, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Morgyn S Warner
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Infectious Diseases Unit, Woodville, SA, 5011, Australia.,Microbiology & Infectious Diseases Directorate, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,University of Adelaide, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia
| | - Shailesh Bihari
- Flinders Medical Centre, Intensive & Critical Care Unit, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.,Flinders University of South Australia, College of Medicine and Public Health, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Andrew D Bersten
- Flinders Medical Centre, Intensive & Critical Care Unit, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.,Flinders University of South Australia, College of Medicine and Public Health, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - James G Mitchell
- Flinders University of South Australia, College of Science and Engineering, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Joseph Tucci
- Department of Pharmacy & Biomedical Science, LaTrobe University, La Trobe Institute for Molecular Science, Bendigo, Victoria, 3552, Australia
| | - David L Gordon
- Flinders University of South Australia, College of Medicine and Public Health, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
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221
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D’Accolti M, Soffritti I, Mazzacane S, Caselli E. Bacteriophages as a Potential 360-Degree Pathogen Control Strategy. Microorganisms 2021; 9:261. [PMID: 33513949 PMCID: PMC7911525 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages are viruses that exclusively kill bacteria and are the most ubiquitous organisms on the planet. Since their discovery, bacteriophages have been considered an important weapon to fight human and animal infections of bacterial origin due to their specific ability to attack the associated target bacteria. With the discovery of antibiotics, phage treatment was progressively abandoned in Western countries. However, due to the recent emergence of growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to antibiotics, interest in phage use in human therapy has once again grown. Similarly, at the environmental level, the extensive use of disinfectants based on chemicals, including biocides in agriculture, has been associated with the emergence of resistance against disinfectants themselves, besides having a high environmental impact. Due to these issues, the applications of phages with biocontrol purposes have become an interesting option in several fields, including farms, food industry, agriculture, aquaculture and wastewater plants. Notably, phage action is maintained even when the target bacteria are multidrug resistant (MDR), rendering this option extremely interesting in counteracting AMR emergence both for therapeutical and decontamination purposes. Based on this, bacteriophages have been interestingly proposed as environmental routine sanitizers in hospitals, to counteract the spread of the pathogenic MDR bacteria that persistently contaminate hard surfaces. This review summarizes the studies aimed at evaluating the potential use of phages as decontaminants, with a special focus on hospital sanitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria D’Accolti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.)
- CIAS Research Centre, Department of Architecture and Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Irene Soffritti
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.)
- CIAS Research Centre, Department of Architecture and Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Sante Mazzacane
- CIAS Research Centre, Department of Architecture and Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Caselli
- Section of Microbiology, Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, and LTTA, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.D.); (I.S.)
- CIAS Research Centre, Department of Architecture and Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
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222
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Pereira C, Costa P, Pinheiro L, Balcão VM, Almeida A. Kiwifruit bacterial canker: an integrative view focused on biocontrol strategies. PLANTA 2021; 253:49. [PMID: 33502587 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-020-03549-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Phage-based biocontrol strategies can be an effective alternative to control Psa-induced bacterial canker of kiwifruit. The global production of kiwifruit has been seriously affected by Pseudomonas syringae pv. actinidiae (Psa) over the last decade. Psa damages both Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (green kiwifruit) but specially the susceptible Actinidia chinensis var. chinensis (gold kiwifruit), resulting in severe economic losses. Treatments for Psa infections currently available are scarce, involving frequent spraying of the kiwifruit plant orchards with copper products. However, copper products should be avoided since they are highly toxic and lead to the development of bacterial resistance to this metal. Antibiotics are also used in some countries, but bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a serious worldwide problem. Therefore, it is essential to develop new approaches for sustainable agriculture production, avoiding the emergence of resistant Psa bacterial strains. Attempts to develop and establish highly accurate approaches to combat and prevent the occurrence of bacterial canker in kiwifruit plants are currently under study, using specific viruses of bacteria (bacteriophages, or phages) to eliminate the Psa. This review discusses the characteristics of Psa-induced kiwifruit canker, Psa transmission pathways, prevention and control, phage-based biocontrol strategies as a new approach to control Psa in kiwifruit orchards and its advantages over other therapies, together with potential ways to bypass phage inactivation by abiotic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Pereira
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Costa
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Larindja Pinheiro
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Victor M Balcão
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
- PhageLab - Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, Sorocaba, SP, CEP 18023-000, Brazil.
| | - Adelaide Almeida
- Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, Campus de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
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223
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Samir S. Bacteriophages as Therapeutic Agents: Alternatives to Antibiotics. Recent Pat Biotechnol 2021; 15:25-33. [PMID: 33475081 DOI: 10.2174/1872208315666210121094311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are bacterio-specific viruses that constitute the main portion of the environment. Bacteriophages inject their genome into the targeted bacterial cells and some of them can disrupt the metabolism of bacteria and cause bacterial cell disintegration. The application of bacteriophages to kill bacteria is known as bacteriophage therapy. Since bacteriophages target bacteria and are strain-specific, every bacteriophage/bacterial host pair is unique. They are believed to cause no harm to humans. An additional advantage of the strain-specific nature of bacteriophages is that they do not disrupt the beneficial natural flora in the body. Bacteriophage therapy in the West is not a recognized medicine at this time, and no products are registered. Some clinicians are turning to bacteriophage therapy for the treatment of antibiotic-resistant infections. Lack of adverse effects makes bacteriophage therapy ideal for use. Funding research, media attention, and the increased publication of articles helped in a widespread understanding of its therapeutic potential. The first prerequisite for the use of bacteriophage therapy is simply the availability of bacteriophages for treatment, which is often complicated at this stage of bacteriophage production. This includes providing access to all biologically active bacteriophages against the bacterial isolate of the patient and meeting regulatory criteria of purity, traceability, and characterization. A monophage preparation, which is a single bacteriophage, or a phage cocktail, which consists of a number of combined bacteriophages against one or more bacterial species may be used. Accordingly, the antibiotic resistance crisis brought back bacteriophage therapy as a potential complementary or alternative treatment. Bacteriophages are promising cheap antibacterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia Samir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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224
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Nale JY, Vinner GK, Lopez VC, Thanki AM, Phothaworn P, Thiennimitr P, Garcia A, AbuOun M, Anjum MF, Korbsrisate S, Galyov EE, Malik DJ, Clokie MRJ. An Optimized Bacteriophage Cocktail Can Effectively Control Salmonella in vitro and in Galleria mellonella. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:609955. [PMID: 33552020 PMCID: PMC7858669 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.609955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. is a leading cause of gastrointestinal enteritis in humans where it is largely contracted via contaminated poultry and pork. Phages can be used to control Salmonella infection in the animals, which could break the cycle of infection before the products are accessible for consumption. Here, the potential of 21 myoviruses and a siphovirus to eliminate Salmonella in vitro and in vivo was examined with the aim of developing a biocontrol strategy to curtail the infection in poultry and swine. Together, the phages targeted the twenty-three poultry and ten swine prevalent Salmonella serotype isolates tested. Although individual phages significantly reduced bacterial growth of representative isolates within 6 h post-infection, bacterial regrowth occurred 1 h later, indicating proliferation of resistant strains. To curtail bacteriophage resistance, a novel three-phage cocktail was developed in vitro, and further investigated in an optimized Galleria mellonella larva Salmonella infection model colonized with representative swine, chicken and laboratory strains. For all the strains examined, G. mellonella larvae given phages 2 h prior to bacterial exposure (prophylactic regimen) survived and Salmonella was undetectable 24 h post-phage treatment and throughout the experimental time (72 h). Administering phages with bacteria (co-infection), or 2 h post-bacterial exposure (remedial regimen) also improved survival (73-100% and 15-88%, respectively), but was less effective than prophylaxis application. These pre-livestock data support the future application of this cocktail for further development to effectively treat Salmonella infection in poultry and pigs. Future work will focus on cocktail formulation to ensure stability and incorporation into feeds and used to treat the infection in target animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Y Nale
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Gurinder K Vinner
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Viviana C Lopez
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Anisha M Thanki
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Preeda Phothaworn
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Parameth Thiennimitr
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Angela Garcia
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Manal AbuOun
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Muna F Anjum
- Department of Bacteriology, Animal and Plant Health Agency, Weybridge, United Kingdom
| | - Sunee Korbsrisate
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Edouard E Galyov
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Danish J Malik
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, United Kingdom
| | - Martha R J Clokie
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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225
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Shetru MN, Karched M, Agsar D. Locally isolated broad host-range bacteriophage kills methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in an in vivo skin excisional wound model in mice. Microb Pathog 2021; 152:104744. [PMID: 33484806 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2021.104744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
From the perspective of an ever-increasing multidrug resistance among bacterial pathogens, bacteriophages are receiving renewed interest as potential alternative to antibiotics. We investigated the potential of a locally isolated species-specific phage against Staphylococcus aureus infection in a skin excisional wound model in mice. A significant time-dependent increase (P < 0.05) in wound healing was observed in the phage-treated mice groups. The animals treated with the phage ΦDMSA-2 exhibited a faster re-epithelialization and faster tissue re-modelling. Bacterial load in the infected tissue in all phage-treated groups diminished. The mean ± SD CFU per ml decreased from 3.3 × 108 ± 3.5 × 106 at day 1-1.43 × 103 ± 8.48 × 102 at day 16 (P < 0.05). The highest reduction in the bacterial load was observed in G5 (povidine-iodine treated) and G6 (povidine iodine + phage 107 PFU) groups as no bacterial counts were detected by day 12 in both groups. Interestingly, group G3, which was treated with a lower phage concentration (5 × 106 PFU), resulted in total clearing of the inoculated bacteria by day 16; while bacterial counts were still detected by that time in group G4, which was treated with a higher phage concentration of 107 PFU. Animals from phage-treated group G3 survived 100%, while those from the infected wound control group survived at a rate of 34% at day 9 and reached 0% by the end of day 22 (P < 0.001). The data from this study convincingly showed that phage treatment of the S. aureus-infected wounds resulted in a faster wound healing and a 100% survival of the animals. The results emphasize the utility of locally isolated species-specific phages in treatment against multidrug-resistant MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjunath Nandihalli Shetru
- Department of Biotechnology and Research Centre, Bapuji Institute of Engineering and Technology, Davangere, 577 004, Karnataka, India.
| | - Maribasappa Karched
- Oral Microbiology Research Laboratory, Faculty of Dentistry, Kuwait University, Kuwait.
| | - Dayanand Agsar
- DBT Research Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Gulbarga University, Gulbarga, 585 106, Karnataka, India.
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226
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Oliveira VC, Macedo AP, Melo LDR, Santos SB, Hermann PRS, Silva-Lovato CH, Paranhos HFO, Andrade D, Watanabe E. Bacteriophage Cocktail-Mediated Inhibition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm on Endotracheal Tube Surface. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:78. [PMID: 33467548 PMCID: PMC7830274 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10010078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although different strategies to control biofilm formation on endotracheal tubes have been proposed, there are scarce scientific data on applying phages for both removing and preventing Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on the device surface. Here, the anti-biofilm capacity of five bacteriophages was evaluated by a high content screening assay. We observed that biofilms were significantly reduced after phage treatment, especially in multidrug-resistant strains. Considering the anti-biofilm screens, two phages were selected as cocktail components, and the cocktail's ability to prevent colonization of the endotracheal tube surface was tested in a dynamic biofilm model. Phage-coated tubes were challenged with different P. aeruginosa strains. The biofilm growth was monitored from 24 to 168 h by colony forming unit counting, metabolic activity assessment, and biofilm morphology observation. The phage cocktail promoted differences of bacterial colonization; nonetheless, the action was strain dependent. Phage cocktail coating did not promote substantial changes in metabolic activity. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a higher concentration of biofilm cells in control, while tower-like structures could be observed on phage cocktail-coated tubes. These results demonstrate that with the development of new coating strategies, phage therapy has potential in controlling the endotracheal tube-associated biofilm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane C. Oliveira
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network—HEID, School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (V.C.O.); (P.R.S.H.); (D.A.)
- Department of Dental Materials and Prostheses, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Café Avenue S/N, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (A.P.M.); (C.H.S.-L.); (H.F.O.P.)
| | - Ana P. Macedo
- Department of Dental Materials and Prostheses, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Café Avenue S/N, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (A.P.M.); (C.H.S.-L.); (H.F.O.P.)
| | - Luís D. R. Melo
- Centre of Biological Engineering—CEB, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (L.D.R.M.); (S.B.S.)
| | - Sílvio B. Santos
- Centre of Biological Engineering—CEB, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal; (L.D.R.M.); (S.B.S.)
| | - Paula R. S. Hermann
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network—HEID, School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (V.C.O.); (P.R.S.H.); (D.A.)
- Department of Nursing, University of Brasília, Distrito Federal, Brasília 72220-275, Brazil
| | - Cláudia H. Silva-Lovato
- Department of Dental Materials and Prostheses, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Café Avenue S/N, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (A.P.M.); (C.H.S.-L.); (H.F.O.P.)
| | - Helena F. O. Paranhos
- Department of Dental Materials and Prostheses, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Café Avenue S/N, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (A.P.M.); (C.H.S.-L.); (H.F.O.P.)
| | - Denise Andrade
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network—HEID, School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (V.C.O.); (P.R.S.H.); (D.A.)
| | - Evandro Watanabe
- Human Exposome and Infectious Diseases Network—HEID, School of Nursing of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Bandeirantes Avenue 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil; (V.C.O.); (P.R.S.H.); (D.A.)
- Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Café Avenue S/N, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-904, Brazil
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227
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A Novel N4-Like Bacteriophage Isolated from a Wastewater Source in South India with Activity against Several Multidrug-Resistant Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates. mSphere 2021; 6:6/1/e01215-20. [PMID: 33441405 PMCID: PMC7845610 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.01215-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In India, multidrug resistance determinants are much more abundant in community-associated bacterial pathogens due to the improper treatment of domestic and industrial effluents. In particular, a high bacterial load of the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa in sewage and water bodies in India is well documented. Multidrug-resistant community-acquired infections caused by the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa are increasingly reported in India and other locations globally. Since this organism is ubiquitous in the environment, samples such as sewage and wastewater are rich reservoirs of P. aeruginosa bacteriophages. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of a novel P. aeruginosa N4-like lytic bacteriophage, vB_Pae_AM.P2 (AM.P2), from wastewater in Kerala, India. AM.P2 is a double-stranded DNA podovirus that efficiently lyses the model strain, PAO1, at a multiplicity of infection as low as 0.1 phage per bacterium and resistance frequency of 6.59 × 10−4. Synergy in bactericidal activity was observed between AM.P2 and subinhibitory concentrations of the antibiotic ciprofloxacin. Genome sequencing of AM.P2 revealed features similar to those of the N4-like P. aeruginosa phages LUZ7 and KPP21. As judged by two independent assay methods, spot tests and growth inhibition, AM.P2 successfully inhibited the growth of almost 30% of strains from a contemporary collection of multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from South India. Thus, AM.P2 may represent an intriguing candidate for inclusion in bacteriophage cocktails developed for various applications, including water decontamination and clinical bacteriophage therapy. IMPORTANCE In India, multidrug resistance determinants are much more abundant in community-associated bacterial pathogens due to the improper treatment of domestic and industrial effluents. In particular, a high bacterial load of the opportunistic pathogen P. aeruginosa in sewage and water bodies in India is well documented. The isolation and characterization of bacteriophages that could target emerging P. aeruginosa strains, representing possible epicenters for community-acquired infections, could serve as a useful alternative tool for various applications, such as phage therapy and environmental treatment. Continuing to supplement the repertoire of broad-spectrum bacteriophages is an essential tool in confronting this problem.
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228
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Del Rio B, Sánchez-Llana E, Martínez N, Fernández M, Ladero V, Alvarez MA. Isolation and Characterization of Enterococcus faecalis-Infecting Bacteriophages From Different Cheese Types. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:592172. [PMID: 33488539 PMCID: PMC7820071 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.592172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enterococci are a diverse group of Gram-positive, lactic acid bacteria (LAB). They are found in many environments, including fermented foods, in which they could constitute a health threat since they produce biogenic amines, which consumption can lead to intoxication. Moreover, enterococci has also emerged as an important hospital-acquired pathogens via its acquisition of antimicrobial resistance. Bacteriophages possess features that make them optimal biotechnological weapons for controlling bacterial growth in disease and food spoilage contexts. However, no silver bullet bacteriophage exists that can eliminate all the undesirable bacteria in a complex environment. Rather, a combination of phages with different host ranges would be required which implies the need for large collections of diverse phages. This work reports the isolation of several Enterococcus faecalis-infecting bacteriophages from different types of cheese, along with the range of E. faecalis strains of diverse origin (from dairy to clinical environments) they are able to infect. The isolated phages showed a large diversity regarding the number and origin of strains they infect. Some of these phages were subjected to morphological and genomic characterization which confirmed their diversity and showed they belong to different families and genera. The present findings increase the potential arsenal for the bacteriophage-based biocontrol of harmful E. faecalis populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Del Rio
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute, IPLA-CSIC, Villaviciosa, Spain.,Molecular Microbiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Esther Sánchez-Llana
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute, IPLA-CSIC, Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - Noelia Martínez
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute, IPLA-CSIC, Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - María Fernández
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute, IPLA-CSIC, Villaviciosa, Spain.,Molecular Microbiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Victor Ladero
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute, IPLA-CSIC, Villaviciosa, Spain.,Molecular Microbiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Miguel A Alvarez
- Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Dairy Products, Dairy Research Institute, IPLA-CSIC, Villaviciosa, Spain.,Molecular Microbiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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229
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Comparison of single and multi-host enrichment approach for harnessing lytic phages against antimicrobial-resistant E. coli: Repurposing the enrichment step. Biologia (Bratisl) 2021. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-020-00652-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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230
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Low HZ, Böhnlein C, Sprotte S, Wagner N, Fiedler G, Kabisch J, Franz CMAP. Fast and Easy Phage-Tagging and Live/Dead Analysis for the Rapid Monitoring of Bacteriophage Infection. Front Microbiol 2021; 11:602444. [PMID: 33391221 PMCID: PMC7775415 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.602444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Use of bacteriophages, which are viruses that kill bacteria, for biocontrol of pathogens and antimicrobial resistant bacteria has become increasingly important in recent years. As traditional culture-based methods are laborious and time-consuming, practicable use of bacteriophages will hinge on development of rapid and high throughput methods to analyze, characterize and screen large bacteriophage libraries. We thus established a novel method to fluorescently tag bacteriophages for virus screening and interaction studies, without the need for complicated and laborious purification procedures or genetic engineering of viruses to express fluorescent proteins. Bacteriophage PMBT14 was tagged using DNA dye Syto 13. Simply by using a membrane filter, tagged bacteriophages can be separated from non-sequestered excess dye rapidly, effortlessly, and cheaply. The procedure takes less than 30 min and makes use of simple laboratory consumables that are already commonly used for bacteriophage preparations. As proof of concept, we present here flow cytometric methods to analyze bacteriophage binding, infection and killing that are very accessible for high throughput analysis. We show that the resulting fluorescently tagged bacteriophage can be used to specifically stain its host bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens DSM 50090. Individual fluorescent bacteriophages, their binding to and initial infection of bacteria could also be observed using confocal microscopy. The infection process was halted by the metabolic inhibitor sodium azide, suggesting a requirement of host metabolic processes for penetration by PMBT14. Flow cytometric live/dead assays was used as a complementary method to determine bacteriophage infection of its host. We made preliminary efforts to adapt the tagging method to two other bacteriophages and discuss potential pitfalls and solutions in the use of tagged phages. Fluorescent phage tagging has previously been demonstrated to facilitate analysis of bacteriophage–host interactions. The method adopted in this study makes it fast, easy as well as cost effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhi Low
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christina Böhnlein
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sabrina Sprotte
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Natalia Wagner
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gregor Fiedler
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan Kabisch
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
| | - Charles M A P Franz
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institut, Federal Research Institute of Nutrition and Food, Kiel, Germany
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231
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Burmeister AR, Hansen E, Cunningham JJ, Rego EH, Turner PE, Weitz JS, Hochberg ME. Fighting microbial pathogens by integrating host ecosystem interactions and evolution. Bioessays 2020; 43:e2000272. [PMID: 33377530 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Successful therapies to combat microbial diseases and cancers require incorporating ecological and evolutionary principles. Drawing upon the fields of ecology and evolutionary biology, we present a systems-based approach in which host and disease-causing factors are considered as part of a complex network of interactions, analogous to studies of "classical" ecosystems. Centering this approach around empirical examples of disease treatment, we present evidence that successful therapies invariably engage multiple interactions with other components of the host ecosystem. Many of these factors interact nonlinearly to yield synergistic benefits and curative outcomes. We argue that these synergies and nonlinear feedbacks must be leveraged to improve the study of pathogenesis in situ and to develop more effective therapies. An eco-evolutionary systems perspective has surprising and important consequences, and we use it to articulate areas of high research priority for improving treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alita R Burmeister
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Elsa Hansen
- Department of Biology, Center for Infectious Disease Dynamics, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jessica J Cunningham
- Department of Integrated Mathematical Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - E Hesper Rego
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paul E Turner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,BEACON Center for the Study of Evolution in Action, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA.,Program in Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Joshua S Weitz
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA.,School of Physics, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michael E Hochberg
- Institute of Evolutionary Sciences, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France.,Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA
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232
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Isolation of a Novel Lytic Bacteriophage against a Nosocomial Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Belonging to ST45. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:5463801. [PMID: 33426055 PMCID: PMC7773469 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5463801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) can cause a wide range of infections from mild to life-threatening conditions. Its enhanced antibiotic resistance often leads to therapeutic failures and therefore alternative eradication methods must be considered. Potential candidates to control MRSA infections are bacteriophages and their lytic enzymes, lysins. In this study, we isolated a bacteriophage against a nosocomial MRSA strain belonging to the ST45 epidemiologic group. The phage belonging to Caudovirales, Siphoviridae, showed a narrow host range and stable lytic activity without the emergence of resistant MRSA clones. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the newly isolated Staphylococcus phage R4 belongs to the Triavirus genus in Siphoviridae family. Genetic analysis of the 45 kb sequence of R4 revealed 69 ORFs. No remnants of mobile genetic elements and traces of truncated genes were observed. We have localized the lysin (N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine amidase) gene of the new phage that was amplified, cloned, expressed, and purified. Its activity was verified by zymogram analysis. Our findings could potentially be used to develop specific anti-MRSA bacteriophage- and phage lysin-based therapeutic strategies against major clonal lineages and serotypes.
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233
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Korf IHE, Kittler S, Bierbrodt A, Mengden R, Rohde C, Rohde M, Kroj A, Lehnherr T, Fruth A, Flieger A, Lehnherr H, Wittmann J. In Vitro Evaluation of a Phage Cocktail Controlling Infections with Escherichia coli. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121470. [PMID: 33352791 PMCID: PMC7768485 DOI: 10.3390/v12121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, poultry industry suffers from infections caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Therapeutic failure due to resistant bacteria is of increasing concern and poses a threat to human and animal health. This causes a high demand to find alternatives to fight bacterial infections in animal farming. Bacteriophages are being especially considered for the control of multi-drug resistant bacteria due to their high specificity and lack of serious side effects. Therefore, the study aimed on characterizing phages and composing a phage cocktail suitable for the prevention of infections with E. coli. Six phages were isolated or selected from our collections and characterized individually and in combination with regard to host range, stability, reproduction, and efficacy in vitro. The cocktail consisting of six phages was able to inhibit formation of biofilms by some E. coli strains but not by all. Phage-resistant variants arose when bacterial cells were challenged with a single phage but not when challenged by a combination of four or six phages. Resistant variants arising showed changes in carbon metabolism and/or motility. Genomic comparison of wild type and phage-resistant mutant E28.G28R3 revealed a deletion of several genes putatively involved in phage adsorption and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke H. E. Korf
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | | | - Ruth Mengden
- Food Inspection, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service of the Land of Bremen, Border Control Post Bremerhaven, Senator-Borttscheller-Straße 8, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany;
| | - Christine Rohde
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Andrea Kroj
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Tatiana Lehnherr
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Robert Koch Institute, Burgstraße 37, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany; (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Antje Flieger
- Robert Koch Institute, Burgstraße 37, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany; (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Hansjörg Lehnherr
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
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234
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Regulating Intestinal Microbiota in the Prevention and Treatment of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 2020:6629196. [PMID: 33381475 PMCID: PMC7759392 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6629196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
When alcohol-related liver disease occurs, the number and composition ratio of intestinal microorganisms will accordingly change. The alcohol-induced changes in the intestinal microbiota play a pivotal role in the process of developing the alcohol-related liver disease through the translocation of microbial products due to increased intestinal permeability. In recent years, therapeutic interventions with a concentration on regulating intestinal microbiota have been conducted for patients with alcohol-related liver disease. We aimed to provide a critical review and updates on the prevention and treatment of alcohol-related liver disease through regulating intestinal microbiota. A literature search was performed on the PubMed database for studies published in English about the therapeutic intervention with microbiota using animal models and patients with alcohol-related liver disease (1/2010-4/2020). The accumulating pieces of evidence suggest that the therapeutic use of probiotics, prebiotics, antibiotics, phages, or fecal microbial transplantation may have several influences on alcohol-related liver disease patients. Emergent data unveiled that these interventions can further regulate the composition of intestinal microbiota, minimize the negative impact of microbiota on the liver, and prevent disease progression from mild to severe alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. The current review provides updates on the advances of therapeutic interventions with the effects of regulating intestinal microbiota on patients who have alcohol-related liver disease. In addition, the data gaps and research directions on further exploration of the role of intestinal microbiota for the management of the alcohol-related liver disease are also discussed.
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235
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Lenneman BR, Fernbach J, Loessner MJ, Lu TK, Kilcher S. Enhancing phage therapy through synthetic biology and genome engineering. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 68:151-159. [PMID: 33310655 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The antimicrobial and therapeutic efficacy of bacteriophages is currently limited, mostly due to rapid emergence of phage-resistance and the inability of most phage isolates to bind and infect a broad range of clinical strains. Here, we discuss how phage therapy can be improved through recent advances in genetic engineering. First, we outline how receptor-binding proteins and their relevant structural domains are engineered to redirect phage specificity and to avoid resistance. Next, we summarize how phages are reprogrammed as prokaryotic gene therapy vectors that deliver antimicrobial 'payload' proteins, such as sequence-specific nucleases, to target defined cells within complex microbiomes. Finally, we delineate big data- and novel artificial intelligence-driven approaches that may guide the design of improved synthetic phage in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan R Lenneman
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Synthetic Biology Center, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonas Fernbach
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy K Lu
- Research Laboratory of Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Synthetic Biology Center, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- Institute of Food, Nutrition, and Health, ETH Zürich, Schmelzbergstrasse 7, 8092 Zürich, Switzerland.
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236
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Gordola KMC, Boctuanon FAU, Diolata RAA, Pedro MBD, Gutierrez TAD, Papa RDS, Papa DMD. Evaluation of Phage Delivery Systems on Induced Motile Aeromonas Septicemia in Oreochromis niloticus. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2020; 1:189-197. [PMID: 36147284 PMCID: PMC9041466 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2020.0020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Background: The success of phage therapy is affected by the method of treatment delivery. This study focused on comparing different phage delivery routes, specifically oral (phage-impregnated feed), intraperitoneal (IP), and bath (immersion), in treatment of induced motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS). Materials and Methods: The efficacy of Aeromonas hydrophila phage cocktail in treating MAS-infected Oreochromis niloticus through different delivery routes was assessed by challenging the fish with 100% lethal dose of A. hydrophila and conducting a 15-day treatment regimen. Blood and kidney samples were analyzed for bacterial and phage concentrations. Results: All routes exhibited reduction of disease symptoms, significant (p < 0.05) decrease in bacterial count, and increase in phage count. Notably, IP route showed significant activity in reducing bacterial load. Conclusions: Phage therapy through IP route is the most effective yet invasive in controlling MAS infection in O. niloticus. The efficacy of oral route depends on the fish's intake of feeds, whereas the bath route was the least effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen May C. Gordola
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Raylene Audrey A. Diolata
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Maria Bernadette D. Pedro
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | | | - Rey Donne S. Papa
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- Research Center for Natural and Applied Sciences, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Donna May D. Papa
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
- The Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
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237
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Bioactive multi-engineered hydrogel offers simultaneous promise against antibiotic resistance and wound damage. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 164:4466-4474. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.08.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 08/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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238
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Shahin K, Zhang L, Bao H, Hedayatkhah A, Soleimani-Delfan A, Komijani M, He T, Barazandeh M, Mansoorianfar M, Bouzari M, Wang R. An in-vitro study on a novel six-phage cocktail against multi-drug resistant-ESBL Shigella in aquatic environment. Lett Appl Microbiol 2020; 72:231-237. [PMID: 33070360 DOI: 10.1111/lam.13418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Shigella spp. are water-borne pathogens responsible for mild to severe cases bacilli dysentery all around the world known as Shigellosis. The progressively increasing of antibiotic resistance among Shigella calls for developing and establishing novel alternative therapeutic methods. The present study aimed to evaluate a novel phage cocktail of lytic phages against extended spectrum beta lactamase isolates of Shigella species in an aquatic environment. The phage cocktail containing six novel Shigella specific phages showed a broad host spectrum. The cocktail was very stable in aquatic environment. The cocktail resulted in about 99% decrease in the bacterial counts in the contaminated water by several species and strains of Shigella such as Shigella sonnei, Shigella flexneri and Shigella dysenteriae. Achieving such a high efficiency in this in-vitro study demonstrates a high potential for in-vivo and in-situ application of this phage cocktail as a bio-controlling agent against Shigella spp. contamination and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Shahin
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - L Zhang
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - H Bao
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - A Hedayatkhah
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - A Soleimani-Delfan
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - M Komijani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Arak University, Arak, Iran
| | - T He
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - M Barazandeh
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - M Mansoorianfar
- Chinese Academy of Science, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Suzhou, China
| | - M Bouzari
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology & Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
| | - R Wang
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Key Lab of Food Quality and Safety of Jiangsu Province-State Key Laboratory Breeding Base, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
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239
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Pereira C, Costa P, Duarte J, Balcão VM, Almeida A. Phage therapy as a potential approach in the biocontrol of pathogenic bacteria associated with shellfish consumption. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 338:108995. [PMID: 33316593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Infectious human diseases acquired from bivalve shellfish consumption constitute a public health threat. These health threats are largely related to the filter-feeding phenomenon, by which bivalve organisms retain and concentrate pathogenic bacteria from their surrounding waters. Even after depuration, bivalve shellfish are still involved in outbreaks caused by pathogenic bacteria, which increases the demand for new and efficient strategies to control transmission of shellfish infection. Bacteriophage (or phage) therapy represents a promising, tailor-made approach to control human pathogens in bivalves, but its success depends on a deep understanding of several factors that include the bacterial communities present in the harvesting waters, the appropriate selection of phage particles, the multiplicity of infection that produces the best bacterial inactivation, chemical and physical factors, the emergence of phage-resistant bacterial mutants and the life cycle of bivalves. This review discusses the need to advance phage therapy research for bivalve decontamination, highlighting their efficiency as an antimicrobial strategy and identifying critical aspects to successfully apply this therapy to control human pathogens associated with bivalve consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Pereira
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Pedro Costa
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - João Duarte
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Victor M Balcão
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal; PhageLab-Laboratory of Biofilms and Bacteriophages, University of Sorocaba, 18023-000 Sorocaba, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adelaide Almeida
- Department of Biology & CESAM, Campus Universitário de Santiago, Universidade de Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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240
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Unlocking the next generation of phage therapy: the key is in the receptors. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2020; 68:115-123. [PMID: 33202354 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2020.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Phage therapy, the clinical use of viruses that kill bacteria, is a promising strategy in the fight against antimicrobial resistance. Before administration, phages undergo a careful examination of their safety and interactions with target bacteria. This characterization seldom includes identifying the receptor on the bacterial surface involved in phage adsorption. In this perspective article, we propose that understanding the function and location of these phage receptors can open the door to improved and innovative ways to use phage therapy. With knowledge of phage receptors, we can design intelligent phage cocktails, discover new phage-derived antimicrobials, and steer the evolution of phage-resistance towards clinically exploitable phenotypes. In an effort to jump-start this initiative, we recommend priority groups of hosts and phages. Finally, we review modern approaches for the identification of phage receptors, including molecular platforms for high-throughput mutagenesis, synthetic biology, and machine learning.
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241
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242
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Vrancianu CO, Gheorghe I, Dobre EG, Barbu IC, Cristian RE, Popa M, Lee SH, Limban C, Vlad IM, Chifiriuc MC. Emerging Strategies to Combat β-Lactamase Producing ESKAPE Pathogens. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8527. [PMID: 33198306 PMCID: PMC7697847 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1929 as a therapeutic agent against staphylococci, β-lactam antibiotics (BLAs) remained the most successful antibiotic classes against the majority of bacterial strains, reaching a percentage of 65% of all medical prescriptions. Unfortunately, the emergence and diversification of β-lactamases pose indefinite health issues, limiting the clinical effectiveness of all current BLAs. One solution is to develop β-lactamase inhibitors (BLIs) capable of restoring the activity of β-lactam drugs. In this review, we will briefly present the older and new BLAs classes, their mechanisms of action, and an update of the BLIs capable of restoring the activity of β-lactam drugs against ESKAPE (Enterococcus spp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pathogens. Subsequently, we will discuss several promising alternative approaches such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides, nanoparticles, CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats) cas technology, or vaccination developed to limit antimicrobial resistance in this endless fight against Gram-negative pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corneliu Ovidiu Vrancianu
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Irina Gheorghe
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Elena-Georgiana Dobre
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Ilda Czobor Barbu
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Roxana Elena Cristian
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Marcela Popa
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
| | - Sang Hee Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 03674 Myongjiro, Yongin 449-728, Gyeonggido, Korea;
- National Leading Research Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Myongji University, 116 Myongjiro, Yongin 17058, Gyeonggido, Korea
| | - Carmen Limban
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia no.6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.L.); (I.M.V.)
| | - Ilinca Margareta Vlad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Traian Vuia no.6, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.L.); (I.M.V.)
| | - Mariana Carmen Chifiriuc
- Microbiology Immunology Department and The Research Institute of the University of Bucharest, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 020956 Bucharest, Romania; (C.O.V.); (E.-G.D.); (I.C.B.); (M.P.); (M.C.C.)
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
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The Safety and Efficacy of Phage Therapy for Bone and Joint Infections: A Systematic Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9110795. [PMID: 33182795 PMCID: PMC7697170 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial resistance to antibiotics has catalysed interest in alternative antimicrobial strategies. Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses of bacteria with a long history of successful therapeutic use. Phage therapy is a promising antibacterial strategy for infections with a biofilm component, including recalcitrant bone and joint infections, which have significant social, financial and human impacts. Here, we report a systematic review of the safety and efficacy of phage therapy for the treatment of bone and joint infections. Three electronic databases were systematically searched for articles that reported primary data about human phage therapy for bone and joint infections. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and performed data extraction. Seventeen reports were eligible for inclusion in this review, representing the treatment of 277 patients. A cautionary, crude, efficacy estimate revealed that 93.1% (n = 258/277) achieved clinical resolution, 3.3% (n = 9/277) had improvement and 3.6% (n = 10/277) showed no improvement. Seven of the nine reports that directly commented on the safety of phage therapy did not express safety concerns. The adverse effects reported in the remaining two were not severe and were linked to the presence of contaminating endotoxins and pre-existing liver pathology in a patient treated with high-titre intravenous phage therapy. Three other reports, from 1940-1987, offered general comments on the safety of phage therapy and documented adverse effects consistent with endotoxin co-administration concomitant with the use of raw phage lysates. Together, the reports identified by this review suggest that appropriately purified phages represent a safe and highly efficacious treatment option for complex and intractable bone and joint infections.
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244
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Evseev PV, Lukianova AA, Shneider MM, Korzhenkov AA, Bugaeva EN, Kabanova AP, Miroshnikov KK, Kulikov EE, Toshchakov SV, Ignatov AN, Miroshnikov KA. Origin and Evolution of Studiervirinae Bacteriophages Infecting Pectobacterium: Horizontal Transfer Assists Adaptation to New Niches. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1707. [PMID: 33142811 PMCID: PMC7693777 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8111707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Black leg and soft rot are devastating diseases causing up to 50% loss of potential potato yield. The search for, and characterization of, bacterial viruses (bacteriophages) suitable for the control of these diseases is currently a sought-after task for agricultural microbiology. Isolated lytic Pectobacterium bacteriophages Q19, PP47 and PP81 possess a similar broad host range but differ in their genomic properties. The genomic features of characterized phages have been described and compared to other Studiervirinae bacteriophages. Thorough phylogenetic analysis has clarified the taxonomy of the phages and their positioning relative to other genera of the Autographiviridae family. Pectobacterium phage Q19 seems to represent a new genus not described previously. The genomes of the phages are generally similar to the genome of phage T7 of the Teseptimavirus genus but possess a number of specific features. Examination of the structure of the genes and proteins of the phages, including the tail spike protein, underlines the important role of horizontal gene exchange in the evolution of these phages, assisting their adaptation to Pectobacterium hosts. The results provide the basis for the development of bacteriophage-based biocontrol of potato soft rot as an alternative to the use of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter V. Evseev
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.E.); (A.A.L.); (M.M.S.); (E.N.B.); (A.P.K.)
| | - Anna A. Lukianova
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.E.); (A.A.L.); (M.M.S.); (E.N.B.); (A.P.K.)
- Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail M. Shneider
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.E.); (A.A.L.); (M.M.S.); (E.N.B.); (A.P.K.)
| | | | - Eugenia N. Bugaeva
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.E.); (A.A.L.); (M.M.S.); (E.N.B.); (A.P.K.)
- Research Center “PhytoEngineering” Ltd., Rogachevo, 141880 Moscow Region, Russia;
| | - Anastasia P. Kabanova
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.E.); (A.A.L.); (M.M.S.); (E.N.B.); (A.P.K.)
- Research Center “PhytoEngineering” Ltd., Rogachevo, 141880 Moscow Region, Russia;
| | - Kirill K. Miroshnikov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology”, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (K.K.M.); (E.E.K.); (S.V.T.)
| | - Eugene E. Kulikov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology”, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (K.K.M.); (E.E.K.); (S.V.T.)
| | - Stepan V. Toshchakov
- Winogradsky Institute of Microbiology, Federal Research Center “Fundamentals of Biotechnology”, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117312 Moscow, Russia; (K.K.M.); (E.E.K.); (S.V.T.)
| | - Alexander N. Ignatov
- Research Center “PhytoEngineering” Ltd., Rogachevo, 141880 Moscow Region, Russia;
| | - Konstantin A. Miroshnikov
- Shemyakin–Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (P.V.E.); (A.A.L.); (M.M.S.); (E.N.B.); (A.P.K.)
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Steele A, Stacey HJ, de Soir S, Jones JD. The Safety and Efficacy of Phage Therapy for Superficial Bacterial Infections: A Systematic Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E754. [PMID: 33138253 PMCID: PMC7692203 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9110754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Superficial bacterial infections, such as dermatological, burn wound and chronic wound/ulcer infections, place great human and financial burdens on health systems globally and are often complicated by antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a promising alternative antimicrobial strategy with a 100-year history of successful application. Here, we report a systematic review of the safety and efficacy of phage therapy for the treatment of superficial bacterial infections. Three electronic databases were systematically searched for articles that reported primary data about human phage therapy for dermatological, burn wound or chronic wound/ulcer infections secondary to commonly causative bacteria. Two authors independently assessed study eligibility and performed data extraction. Of the 27 eligible reports, eight contained data on burn wound infection (n = 156), 12 on chronic wound/ulcer infection (n = 327) and 10 on dermatological infections (n = 1096). Cautionary pooled efficacy estimates from the studies that clearly reported efficacy data showed clinical resolution or improvement in 77.5% (n = 111) of burn wound infections, 86.1% (n = 310) of chronic wound/ulcer infections and 94.14% (n = 734) of dermatological infections. Over half of the reports that commented on safety (n = 8/15), all published in or after 2002, did not express safety concerns. Seven early reports (1929-1987), described adverse effects consistent with the administration of raw phage lysate and co-administered bacterial debris or broth. This review strongly suggests that the use of purified phage to treat superficial bacterial infections can be highly effective and, by various routes of administration, is safe and without adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angharad Steele
- Infection Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK;
| | - Helen J. Stacey
- Edinburgh Medical School, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK;
| | - Steven de Soir
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Rue Bruyn, 1120 Brussels, Belgium;
- Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), avenue E. Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joshua D. Jones
- Infection Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK;
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Abstract
A major limitation hindering the widespread use of synthetic phages in medical and industrial settings is the lack of an efficient phage-engineering platform. Classical T4 phage engineering and several newly proposed methods are often inefficient and time consuming and consequently, only able to produce an inconsistent range of genomic editing rates between 0.03–3%. Here, we review and present new understandings of the CRISPR/Cas9 assisted genome engineering technique that significantly improves the genomic editing rate of T4 phages. Our results indicate that crRNAs selection is a major rate limiting factor in T4 phage engineering via CRISPR/Cas9. We were able to achieve an editing rate of > 99% for multiple genes that functionalizes the phages for further applications. We envision that this improved phage-engineering platform will accelerate the fields of individualized phage therapy, biocontrol, and rapid diagnostics.
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247
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Mourenza Á, Gil JA, Mateos LM, Letek M. Alternative Anti-Infective Treatments to Traditional Antibiotherapy against Staphylococcal Veterinary Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100702. [PMID: 33076497 PMCID: PMC7602553 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The genus Staphylococcus encompasses many species that may be pathogenic to both humans and farm animals. These bacteria have the potential to acquire multiple resistant traits to the antimicrobials currently used in the veterinary or medical settings. These pathogens may commonly cause zoonoses, and the infections they cause are becoming difficult to treat due to antimicrobial resistance. Therefore, the development of novel alternative treatments to traditional antibiotherapy has gained interest in recent years. Here, we reviewed the most promising therapeutic strategies developed to control staphylococcal infections in the veterinary field to overcome antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Álvaro Mourenza
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (Á.M.); (J.A.G.)
| | - José A. Gil
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (Á.M.); (J.A.G.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular, Genómica y Proteómica (INBIOMIC), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
| | - Luis M. Mateos
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (Á.M.); (J.A.G.)
- Instituto de Biología Molecular, Genómica y Proteómica (INBIOMIC), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.M.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Michal Letek
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Área de Microbiología, Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain; (Á.M.); (J.A.G.)
- Instituto de Desarrollo Ganadero y Sanidad Animal (INDEGSAL), Universidad de León, 24071 León, Spain
- Correspondence: (L.M.M.); (M.L.)
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248
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Kumar SB, Arnipalli SR, Ziouzenkova O. Antibiotics in Food Chain: The Consequences for Antibiotic Resistance. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:antibiotics9100688. [PMID: 33066005 PMCID: PMC7600537 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9100688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics have been used as essential therapeutics for nearly 100 years and, increasingly, as a preventive agent in the agricultural and animal industry. Continuous use and misuse of antibiotics have provoked the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria that progressively increased mortality from multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, thereby posing a tremendous threat to public health. The goal of our review is to advance the understanding of mechanisms of dissemination and the development of antibiotic resistance genes in the context of nutrition and related clinical, agricultural, veterinary, and environmental settings. We conclude with an overview of alternative strategies, including probiotics, essential oils, vaccines, and antibodies, as primary or adjunct preventive antimicrobial measures or therapies against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. The solution for antibiotic resistance will require comprehensive and incessant efforts of policymakers in agriculture along with the development of alternative therapeutics by experts in diverse fields of microbiology, biochemistry, clinical research, genetic, and computational engineering.
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249
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Kim HJ, Jun JW, Giri SS, Kim SG, Kim SW, Kwon J, Lee SB, Chi C, Park SC. Bacteriophage Cocktail for the Prevention of Multiple-Antibiotic-Resistant and Mono-Phage-Resistant Vibrio coralliilyticus Infection in Pacific Oyster ( Crassostrea gigas) Larvae. Pathogens 2020; 9:E831. [PMID: 33050639 PMCID: PMC7600342 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9100831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Vibrio coralliilyticus (V. coralliilyticus) is a pathogen that causes mass mortality in marine bivalve hatcheries worldwide. In this study, we used a bacteriophage (phage) cocktail to prevent multiple-antibiotic-resistant (MAR) and phage-resistant (PR) V. coralliilyticus infection in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) larvae. To prevent the occurrence of phage-resistant strains and decrease the effect of mono-phage treatment, we prepared a phage cocktail containing three types of V. coralliilyticus-specific phages and tested its prophylactic efficacy against MAR and PR V. coralliilyticus infection. The results of the cell lysis test showed that the phage cocktail showed an excellent bactericidal effect against the MAR and PR variants in contrast to the experimental group treated with two mono phages (pVco-5 and pVco-7). An in vivo test using Pacific oyster larvae also confirmed the preventive effect against MAR and PR variants. In conclusion, the application of the phage cocktail effectively prevented V. coralliilyticus infection in marine bivalve seedling production. Furthermore, it is expected to reduce damage to the aquaculture industry caused by the occurrence of MAR and PR V. coralliilyticus. Therefore, phage cocktails may be used for the control of various bacterial diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyoun Joong Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.S.G.); (S.G.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.); (S.B.L.)
| | - Jin Woo Jun
- Department of Aquaculture, Korea National College of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jeonju 54874, Korea;
| | - Sib Sankar Giri
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.S.G.); (S.G.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.); (S.B.L.)
| | - Sang Guen Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.S.G.); (S.G.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.); (S.B.L.)
| | - Sang Wha Kim
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.S.G.); (S.G.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.); (S.B.L.)
| | - Jun Kwon
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.S.G.); (S.G.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.); (S.B.L.)
| | - Sung Bin Lee
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.S.G.); (S.G.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.); (S.B.L.)
| | - Cheng Chi
- Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Ecology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Se Chang Park
- Laboratory of Aquatic Biomedicine, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea; (H.J.K.); (S.S.G.); (S.G.K.); (S.W.K.); (J.K.); (S.B.L.)
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250
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Saucedo-Uriarte JA, Honorio-Javes CE, Vallenas-Sánchez YPA, Acuña-Leiva A. Bacteriófagos: aliados para combatir enfermedades bacterianas en acuicultura. Un primer punto de partida en la acuicultura ecológica. JOURNAL OF THE SELVA ANDINA ANIMAL SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.36610/j.jsaas.2020.070200107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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