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Duarte AC, Fernández L, Jurado A, Campelo AB, Shen Y, Rodríguez A, García P. Synergistic removal of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by using a combination of phage Kayvirus rodi with the exopolysaccharide depolymerase Dpo7. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1438022. [PMID: 39171257 PMCID: PMC11335607 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1438022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Bacteriophages have been shown to penetrate biofilms and replicate if they find suitable host cells. Therefore, these viruses appear to be a good option to tackle the biofilm problem and complement or even substitute more conventional antimicrobials. However, in order to successfully remove biofilms, in particular mature biofilms, phages may need to be administered along with other compounds. Phage-derived proteins, such as endolysins or depolymerases, offer a safer alternative to other compounds in the era of antibiotic resistance. Methods This study examined the interactions between phage Kayvirus rodi with a polysaccharide depolymerase (Dpo7) from another phage (Rockefellervirus IPLA7) against biofilms formed by different Staphylococcus aureus strains, as determined by crystal violet staining, viable cell counts and microscopy analysis. Results and discussion Our results demonstrated that there was synergy between the two antimicrobials, with a more significant decreased in biomass and viable cell number with the combination treatment compared to the phage and enzyme alone. This observation was confirmed by microscopy analysis, which also showed that polysaccharide depolymerase treatment reduced, but did not eliminate extracellular matrix polysaccharides. Activity assays on mutant strains did not identify teichoic acids or PNAG/PIA as the exclusive target of Dpo7, suggesting that may be both are degraded by this enzyme. Phage adsorption to S. aureus cells was not significantly altered by incubation with Dpo7, indicating that the mechanism of the observed synergistic interaction is likely through loosening of the biofilm structure. This would allow easier access of the phage particles to their host cells and facilitate infection progression within the bacterial population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Catarina Duarte
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Lucía Fernández
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Andrea Jurado
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Ana Belén Campelo
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain
| | - Yang Shen
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology, Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Rodríguez
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pilar García
- Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias (IPLA-CSIC), Villaviciosa, Spain
- DairySafe Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Spain
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Dicks LMT, Vermeulen W. Bacteriophage-Host Interactions and the Therapeutic Potential of Bacteriophages. Viruses 2024; 16:478. [PMID: 38543843 PMCID: PMC10975011 DOI: 10.3390/v16030478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Healthcare faces a major problem with the increased emergence of antimicrobial resistance due to over-prescribing antibiotics. Bacteriophages may provide a solution to the treatment of bacterial infections given their specificity. Enzymes such as endolysins, exolysins, endopeptidases, endosialidases, and depolymerases produced by phages interact with bacterial surfaces, cell wall components, and exopolysaccharides, and may even destroy biofilms. Enzymatic cleavage of the host cell envelope components exposes specific receptors required for phage adhesion. Gram-positive bacteria are susceptible to phage infiltration through their peptidoglycan, cell wall teichoic acid (WTA), lipoteichoic acids (LTAs), and flagella. In Gram-negative bacteria, lipopolysaccharides (LPSs), pili, and capsules serve as targets. Defense mechanisms used by bacteria differ and include physical barriers (e.g., capsules) or endogenous mechanisms such as clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein (Cas) systems. Phage proteins stimulate immune responses against specific pathogens and improve antibiotic susceptibility. This review discusses the attachment of phages to bacterial cells, the penetration of bacterial cells, the use of phages in the treatment of bacterial infections, and the limitations of phage therapy. The therapeutic potential of phage-derived proteins and the impact that genomically engineered phages may have in the treatment of infections are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon M. T. Dicks
- Department of Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch 7600, South Africa;
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Singh D, Pal S, Subramanian S, Manickam N. Characterization and complete genome analysis of Klebsiella phage Kp109 with lytic activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Virus Genes 2024:10.1007/s11262-024-02053-y. [PMID: 38279974 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-024-02053-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Klebsiella pneumonia is a serious pathogen involved in a range of infections. The increasing frequency of infection associated with K. pneumoniae and accelerated development of antimicrobial resistance has limited the available options of antibiotics for the treatment of infection. Bacteriophages are an attractive substitute to alleviate the problem of antibiotic resistance. In this study, isolation, microbiological and genomic characterization of bacteriophage Kp109 having the ability to infect K. pneumoniae has been shown. Phage Kp109 showed good killing efficiency and tolerance to a broad range of temperatures (4-60 °C) and pH (3-9). Transmission electron microscopy and genomic analysis indicated that phage Kp109 belongs to the genus Webervirus and family Drexlerviridae. Genomic analysis showed that the Kp109 has a 51,630 bp long double-stranded DNA genome with a GC content of 51.64%. The absence of known lysogenic, virulence, and antibiotic-resistant genes (ARGs) in its genome makes phage Kp109 safer to be used as a biocontrol agent for different purposes including phage therapy. The computational analysis of the putative endolysin gene revealed a binding energy of - 6.23 kcal/mol between LysKp109 and ligand NAM-NAG showing its potential to be used as an enzybiotic. However, future research is required for experimental validation of the in silico work to further corroborate the results obtained in the present study. Overall, phenotypic, genomic, and computational characterization performed in the present study showed that phages Kp109 and LysKp109 are promising candidates for future in vivo studies and could potentially be used for controlling K. pneumoniae infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeksha Singh
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Toxicology Group, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Shilpee Pal
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
| | - Srikrishna Subramanian
- Bioinformatics Centre, CSIR-Institute of Microbial Technology, Sector 39A, Chandigarh, 160036, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India
| | - Natesan Manickam
- Environmental Biotechnology Laboratory, Environmental Toxicology Group, FEST Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research, Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31 Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, 226001, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 201002, India.
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4
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Guo Z, Liu M, Zhang D. Potential of phage depolymerase for the treatment of bacterial biofilms. Virulence 2023; 14:2273567. [PMID: 37872768 PMCID: PMC10621286 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2023.2273567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance of bacteria to antibiotics is a major concern in medicine and veterinary science. The bacterial biofilm structures not only prevent the penetration of drugs into cells within the biofilm's interior but also aid in evasion of the host immune system. Hence, there is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approaches against bacterial biofilms. One potential strategy to counter biofilms is to use phage depolymerases that degrade the matrix structure of the bacteria and enable access to bacterial cells. This review mainly discusses the methods by which phage depolymerases enhance the efficacy of the human immune system and the therapeutic applications of some phage depolymerases, such as single phage depolymerase application, combined therapy with phage depolymerase and antibiotics, and phage depolymerase cocktails, for treating bacterial biofilms. This review also summarizes the relationship between bacterial biofilms and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Pathogen Biology Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Department of Hepatological Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Wang C, Wang Q, Mi Z, Zhao L, Bai C. Genomic analysis of K47-type Klebsiella pneumoniae phage IME305, a newly isolated member of the genus Teetrevirus. Arch Virol 2023; 168:280. [PMID: 37889322 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
We isolated a K47-type Klebsiella pneumoniae phage from untreated hospital sewage: vB_KpnP_IME305 (GenBank no. OK149215). Next-generation sequencing (NGS) demonstrated that IME305 has a double-stranded DNA genome of 38,641 bp with 50.9% GC content. According to BLASTn comparisons, the IME305 genome sequence shares similarity with that of Klebsiella phage 6998 (97.37% identity and 95% coverage). IME305 contains 45 open reading frames (ORFs) and no rRNA, tRNA, or virulence-related gene sequences. Bioinformatic analysis showed that IME305 belongs to the phage subfamily Studiervirinae and genus Teetrevirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.99 Huang Shan road, Yingzhou District Anhui province, 236000, Fuyang city, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.99 Huang Shan road, Yingzhou District Anhui province, 236000, Fuyang city, China
| | - Zhiqiang Mi
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 100071, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Fuyang Hospital of Anhui Medical University, No.99 Huang Shan road, Yingzhou District Anhui province, 236000, Fuyang city, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 100071, Beijing, China.
| | - Changqing Bai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Diseases, the fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital (Former 307th Hospital of PLA), No. 8 Dongda Street, Fengtai District, 100071, Beijing, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Diseases, General Hospital of Shenzhen University, 518060, Guangdong province, China.
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6
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Qu Q, Chen T, He P, Geng H, Zeng P, Luan G. Isolation and characterization of a novel lytic bacteriophage vB_Efm_LG62 infecting Enterococcus faecium. Virus Genes 2023; 59:763-774. [PMID: 37422898 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-023-02016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Enterococcus faecium has been classified as a "high priority" pathogen by the World Health Organization. Enterococcus faecium has rapidly evolved as a global nosocomial pathogen with adaptation to the nosocomial environment and the accumulation of resistance to multiple antibiotics. Phage therapy is considered a promising strategy against difficult-to-treat infections and antimicrobial resistance. In this study, we isolated and characterized a novel virulent bacteriophage, vB_Efm_LG62, that specifically infects multidrug-resistant E. faecium. Morphological observations suggested that the phage has siphovirus morphology, with an optimal multiplicity of infection of 0.001. One-step growth tests revealed that its latent growth was at 20 min, with a burst size of 101 PFU/cell. Phage vB_Efm_LG62 was verified to have a double-stranded genome of 42,236 bp (35.21% GC content), containing 66 predicted coding sequences as determined by whole genomic sequencing. No genes were predicted to have functions associated with virulence factors or antibiotic resistance, indicating that the phage vB_Efm_LG62 has good therapeutic potential. Our isolation and characterization of this highly efficient phage aids in expanding our knowledge of E. faecium-targeting phages, and provides additional options for phage cocktail therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyu Qu
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Medical Laboratory, Xindu District People's Hospital of Chengdu, Chengdu, China
| | - Penggang He
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huaixin Geng
- Non-Coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Peibin Zeng
- West China School of Public Health and West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Guangxin Luan
- Non-Coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China.
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Sathe N, Beech P, Croft L, Suphioglu C, Kapat A, Athan E. Pseudomonas aeruginosa: Infections and novel approaches to treatment "Knowing the enemy" the threat of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and exploring novel approaches to treatment. INFECTIOUS MEDICINE 2023; 2:178-194. [PMID: 38073886 PMCID: PMC10699684 DOI: 10.1016/j.imj.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an aerobic Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium with a comparatively large genome and an impressive genetic capability allowing it to grow in a variety of environments and tolerate a wide range of physical conditions. This biological flexibility enables the P. aeruginosa to cause a broad range of infections in patients with serious underlying medical conditions, and to be a principal cause of health care associated infection worldwide. The clinical manifestations of P. aeruginosa include mostly health care associated infections and community-acquired infections. P. aeruginosa possesses an array of virulence factors that counteract host defence mechanisms. It can directly damage host tissue while utilizing high levels of intrinsic and acquired antimicrobial resistance mechanisms to counter most classes of antibiotics. P. aeruginosa co-regulates multiple resistance mechanisms by perpetually moving targets poses a significant therapeutic challenge. Thus, there is an urgent need for novel approaches in the development of anti-Pseudomonas agents. Here we review the principal infections caused by P. aeruginosa and we discuss novel therapeutic options to tackle antibiotic resistance and treatment of P. aeruginosa infections that may be further developed for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhil Sathe
- Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Thane Belapur Road, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400701, India
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Peter Beech
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Larry Croft
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Melbourne Burwood Campus, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood Victoria 3125, Australia
| | - Cenk Suphioglu
- NeuroAllergy Research Laboratory, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Deakin University, Geelong Campus at Waurn Ponds, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds Victoria 3216, Australia
| | - Arnab Kapat
- Reliance Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., Dhirubhai Ambani Life Sciences Centre, Thane Belapur Road, Rabale, Navi Mumbai 400701, India
| | - Eugene Athan
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, PO Box 281 Geelong 3220, Australia
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Stojowska-Swędrzyńska K, Kuczyńska-Wiśnik D, Laskowska E. New Strategies to Kill Metabolically-Dormant Cells Directly Bypassing the Need for Active Cellular Processes. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1044. [PMID: 37370363 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic therapy failure is often caused by the presence of persister cells, which are metabolically-dormant bacteria capable of surviving exposure to antimicrobials. Under favorable conditions, persisters can resume growth leading to recurrent infections. Moreover, several studies have indicated that persisters may promote the evolution of antimicrobial resistance and facilitate the selection of specific resistant mutants; therefore, in light of the increasing numbers of multidrug-resistant infections worldwide, developing efficient strategies against dormant cells is of paramount importance. In this review, we present and discuss the efficacy of various agents whose antimicrobial activity is independent of the metabolic status of the bacteria as they target cell envelope structures. Since the biofilm-environment is favorable for the formation of dormant subpopulations, anti-persister strategies should also include agents that destroy the biofilm matrix or inhibit biofilm development. This article reviews examples of selected cell wall hydrolases, polysaccharide depolymerases and antimicrobial peptides. Their combination with standard antibiotics seems to be the most promising approach in combating persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Stojowska-Swędrzyńska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dorota Kuczyńska-Wiśnik
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Laskowska
- Department of General and Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland
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Chung J, Eisha S, Park S, Morris AJ, Martin I. How Three Self-Secreted Biofilm Exopolysaccharides of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Psl, Pel, and Alginate, Can Each Be Exploited for Antibiotic Adjuvant Effects in Cystic Fibrosis Lung Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108709. [PMID: 37240055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In cystic fibrosis (CF), pulmonary infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a cause of increased morbidity and mortality, especially in patients for whom infection becomes chronic and there is reliance on long-term suppressive therapies. Current antimicrobials, though varied mechanistically and by mode of delivery, are inadequate not only due to their failure to eradicate infection but also because they do not halt the progression of lung function decline over time. One of the reasons for this failure is thought to be the biofilm mode of growth of P. aeruginosa, wherein self-secreted exopolysaccharides (EPSs) provide physical protection against antibiotics and an array of niches with resulting metabolic and phenotypic heterogeneity. The three biofilm-associated EPSs secreted by P. aeruginosa (alginate, Psl, and Pel) are each under investigation and are being exploited in ways that potentiate antibiotics. In this review, we describe the development and structure of P. aeruginosa biofilms before examining each EPS as a potential therapeutic target for combating pulmonary infection with P. aeruginosa in CF, with a particular focus on the current evidence for these emerging therapies and barriers to bringing these therapies into clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Chung
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Shafinaz Eisha
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Subin Park
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Amanda J Morris
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Isaac Martin
- Department of Translational Medicine, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, ON M5G 0A4, Canada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada
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Beyond the Risk of Biofilms: An Up-and-Coming Battleground of Bacterial Life and Potential Antibiofilm Agents. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:life13020503. [PMID: 36836860 PMCID: PMC9959329 DOI: 10.3390/life13020503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbial pathogens and their virulence factors like biofilms are one of the major factors which influence the disease process and its outcomes. Biofilms are a complex microbial network that is produced by bacteria on any devices and/or biotic surfaces to escape harsh environmental conditions and antimicrobial effects. Due to the natural protective nature of biofilms and the associated multidrug resistance issues, researchers evaluated several natural anti-biofilm agents, including bacteriophages and their derivatives, honey, plant extracts, and surfactants for better destruction of biofilm and planktonic cells. This review discusses some of these natural agents that are being put into practice to prevent biofilm formation. In addition, we highlight bacterial biofilm formation and the mechanism of resistance to antibiotics.
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Development and Evaluation of Bacteriophage Cocktail to Eradicate Biofilms Formed by an Extensively Drug-Resistant (XDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020427. [PMID: 36851640 PMCID: PMC9965693 DOI: 10.3390/v15020427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Extensive and multiple drug resistance in P. aeruginosa combined with the formation of biofilms is responsible for its high persistence in nosocomial infections. A sequential method to devise a suitable phage cocktail with a broad host range and high lytic efficiency against a biofilm forming XDR P. aeruginosa strain is presented here. Out of a total thirteen phages isolated against P. aeruginosa, five were selected on the basis of their high lytic spectra assessed using spot assay and productivity by efficiency of plating assay. Phages, after selection, were tested individually and in combinations of two-, three-, four-, and five-phage cocktails using liquid infection model. Out of total 22 combinations tested, the cocktail comprising four phages viz. φPA170, φPA172, φPA177, and φPA180 significantly inhibited the bacterial growth in liquid infection model (p < 0.0001). The minimal inhibitory dose of each phage in a cocktail was effectively reduced to >10 times than the individual dose in the inhibition of XDR P. aeruginosa host. Field emission-scanning electron microscopy was used to visualize phage cocktail mediated eradication of 4-day-old multi-layers of XDR P. aeruginosa biofilms from urinary catheters and glass cover slips, and was confirmed by absence of any viable cells. Differential bacterial inhibition was observed with different phage combinations where multiple phages were found to enhance the cocktail's lytic range, but the addition of too many phages reduced the overall inhibition. This study elaborates an effective and sequential method for the preparation of a phage cocktail and evaluates its antimicrobial potential against biofilm forming XDR strains of P. aeruginosa.
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Martínez-Gallardo MJ, Villicaña C, Yocupicio-Monroy M, Alcaraz-Estrada SL, León-Félix J. Current knowledge in the use of bacteriophages to combat infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in cystic fibrosis. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2023; 68:1-16. [PMID: 35931928 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-022-00990-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is considered the first causal agent of morbidity and mortality in people with cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. Multi-resistant strains have emerged due to prolonged treatment with specific antibiotics, so new alternatives have been sought for their control. In this context, there is a renewed interest in therapies based on bacteriophages (phages) supported by several studies suggesting that therapy based on lytic phages and biofilm degraders may be promising for the treatment of lung infections in CF patients. However, there is little clinical data about phage studies in CF and the effectiveness and safety in patients with this disease has not been clear. Therefore, studies regarding on phage characterization, selection, and evaluation in vitro and in vivo models will provide reliable information for designing effective cocktails, either using mixed phages or in combination with antibiotics, making a great progress in clinical research. Hence, this review focuses on the most relevant and recent findings on the activity of lytic phages against PA strains isolated from CF patients and hospital environments, and discusses perspectives on the use of phage therapy on the treatment of PA in CF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Martínez-Gallardo
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Culiacán, Sinaloa, A.C. (CIAD), Mexico
| | - Claudia Villicaña
- CONACYT-Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo A.C. (CIAD), Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico
| | - Martha Yocupicio-Monroy
- Postgraduate in Genomic Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México (UACM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Josefina León-Félix
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Functional Genomics, Centro de Investigación en Alimentación y Desarrollo, Culiacán, Sinaloa, A.C. (CIAD), Mexico.
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Yin R, Cheng J, Wang J, Li P, Lin J. Treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infectious biofilms: Challenges and strategies. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:955286. [PMID: 36090087 PMCID: PMC9459144 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.955286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the major pathogens implicated in human opportunistic infection and a common cause of clinically persistent infections such as cystic fibrosis, urinary tract infections, and burn infections. The main reason for the persistence of P. aeruginosa infections is due to the ability of P. aeruginosa to secrete extracellular polymeric substances such as exopolysaccharides, matrix proteins, and extracellular DNA during invasion. These substances adhere to and wrap around bacterial cells to form a biofilm. Biofilm formation leads to multiple antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa, posing a significant challenge to conventional single antibiotic therapeutic approaches. It has therefore become particularly important to develop anti-biofilm drugs. In recent years, a number of new alternative drugs have been developed to treat P. aeruginosa infectious biofilms, including antimicrobial peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, bacteriophage therapy, and antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. This article briefly introduces the process and regulation of P. aeruginosa biofilm formation and reviews several developed anti-biofilm treatment technologies to provide new directions for the treatment of P. aeruginosa biofilm infection.
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Segredo-Otero E, Sanjuán R. Cooperative Virus-Virus Interactions: An Evolutionary Perspective. BIODESIGN RESEARCH 2022; 2022:9819272. [PMID: 37850129 PMCID: PMC10521650 DOI: 10.34133/2022/9819272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive evidence of virus-virus interactions, not much is known about their biological significance. Importantly, virus-virus interactions could have evolved as a form of cooperation or simply be a by-product of other processes. Here, we review and discuss different types of virus-virus interactions from the point of view of social evolution, which provides a well-established framework for interpreting the fitness costs and benefits of such traits. We also classify interactions according to their mechanisms of action and speculate on their evolutionary implications. As in any other biological system, the evolutionary stability of viral cooperation critically requires cheaters to be excluded from cooperative interactions. We discuss how cheater viruses exploit cooperative traits and how viral populations are able to counteract this maladaptive process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Segredo-Otero
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat de València, C/ Catedrático Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, València, Spain
| | - Rafael Sanjuán
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology (I2SysBio), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universitat de València, C/ Catedrático Agustín Escardino 9, 46980 Paterna, València, Spain
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15
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Bai J, Zhang F, Liang S, Chen Q, Wang W, Wang Y, Martín-Rodríguez AJ, Sjöling Å, Hu R, Zhou Y. Isolation and Characterization of vB_kpnM_17-11, a Novel Phage Efficient Against Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:897531. [PMID: 35865823 PMCID: PMC9294173 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.897531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Phages and phage-encoded proteins exhibit promising prospects in the treatment of Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections. In this study, a novel Klebsiella pneumoniae phage vB_kpnM_17-11 was isolated and identified by using a CRKP host. vB_kpnM_17-11 has an icosahedral head and a retractable tail. The latent and exponential phases were 30 and 60 minutes, respectively; the burst size was 31.7 PFU/cell and the optimal MOI was 0.001. vB_kpnM_17-11 remained stable in a wide range of pH (4-8) and temperature (4-40°C). The genome of vB_kpnM_17-11 is 165,894 bp, double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), containing 275 Open Reading Frames (ORFs). It belongs to the family of Myoviridae, order Caudovirales, and has a close evolutionary relationship with Klebsiella phage PKO111. Sequence analysis showed that the 4530 bp orf022 of vB_kpnM_17-11 encodes a putative depolymerase. In vitro testing demonstrated that vB_kpnM_17-11 can decrease the number of K. pneumoniae by 105-fold. In a mouse model of infection, phage administration improved survival and reduced the number of K. pneumoniae in the abdominal cavity by 104-fold. In conclusion, vB_kpnM_17-11 showed excellent in vitro and in vivo performance against K. pneumoniae infection and constitutes a promising candidate for the development of phage therapy against CRKP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Bai
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Feiyang Zhang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qiao Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | | | - Åsa Sjöling
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Renjing Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, China
- *Correspondence: Renjing Hu, ; Yingshun Zhou,
| | - Yingshun Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Public Center Experimental Technology of Pathogen Biology, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Renjing Hu, ; Yingshun Zhou,
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16
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Kong X, Wang H, Guo G, Li P, Tong P, Liu M, Ma X, Dong C, Li Y, Zhang H, Zhang W. Duck sewage source coliphage P762 can lyse STEC and APEC. Virus Genes 2022; 58:436-447. [PMID: 35705841 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-022-01915-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Multiple pathogenic types or serotypes restrict treatment for colibacillosis. In addition, rising antibiotic resistance has heightened public awareness to prevent and control pathogenic Escherichia coli. The bacteriophage is a viable technique to treat colibacillosis as an alternative to antibiotics. P762, a coliphage isolated from duck farm sewage, was demonstrated to cloud lyse Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia Coli serotypes O157 and non-O157 (17/39), Avian pathogenic E. coli covered serotype O78, O83, and O9 (5/19), and other pathogenic Escherichia coli (5/17). Additional fundamental biological characteristics analysis revealed that P762 is stable at pH 3 ~ 11 and temperature between 4 °C and 60 °C, and its optimum multiplicity of infection (MOI) is 0.1. The one-step curve of P762 exhibited three bursts of growth stage: two rapid and one slow stage. Furthermore, the first rapid burst size is 80 CFU/PFU, the burst size of the slow stage is 10 CFU/PFU, and the second rapid burst size is about 990 CFU/PFU. In addition, P762 can form a "halo" on a double agar plate, implying that the phage secretes depolymerase. With 95.14% identity and 90% query coverage, genome sequence analysis revealed that P762 is most closely related to Escherichia phage DY1, which belongs to the genus Kayfunavirus. After screening using RAST and VFDB, no virulence factors were discovered in P762. In vitro antibacterial tests revealed that P762 has high bactericidal activity in lettuce leaves contaminated with STEC. In conclusion, phage P762 might be employed in the future to prevent and control pathogenic Escherichia coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewei Kong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Genglin Guo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pei Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Panpan Tong
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shihezi Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Maojun Liu
- Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Xun Ma
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Xinjiang Agricultural University, Xinjiang, China
| | - Chen Dong
- Jiangsu Province CDC: Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Yubao Li
- Agricultural Science and Engineering School, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Department of Food and Biology Engineering, Wuhu Institute of Technology, Wuhu, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
- Key Lab of Animal Bacteriology, Ministry of Agriculture, Nanjing, China.
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
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17
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Ma LZ, Wang D, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Wozniak DJ. Regulation of Biofilm Exopolysaccharide Biosynthesis and Degradation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Annu Rev Microbiol 2022; 76:413-433. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-micro-041320-111355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Microbial communities enmeshed in a matrix of macromolecules, termed as biofilms, are the natural setting of bacteria. Exopolysaccharide is a critical matrix component of biofilms. Here, we focus on biofilm matrix exopolysaccharides in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This opportunistic pathogen can adapt to a wide range of environments and can form biofilms or aggregates in a variety of surfaces or environments, such as the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, catheters, wounds, and contact lenses. The ability to synthesize multiple exopolysaccharides is one of the advantages that facilitate bacterial survival in different environments. P. aeruginosa can produce several exopolysaccharides, including alginate, Psl, Pel, and lipopolysaccharide. In this review, we highlight the roles of each exopolysaccharide in P. aeruginosa biofilm development and how bacteria coordinate the biosynthesis of multiple exopolysaccharides and bacterial motility. In addition, we present advances in antibiofilm strategies targeting matrix exopolysaccharides, with a focus on glycoside hydrolases. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Microbiology, Volume 76 is September 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyan Z. Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Di Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiwei Liu
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Zhenyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Daniel J. Wozniak
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity and Department of Microbiology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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18
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Chen X, Liu M, Zhang P, Xu M, Yuan W, Bian L, Liu Y, Xia J, Leung SSY. Phage-Derived Depolymerase as an Antibiotic Adjuvant Against Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:845500. [PMID: 35401491 PMCID: PMC8990738 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.845500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage-encoded depolymerases are responsible for degrading capsular polysaccharides (CPS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and exopolysaccharides (EPS) of the host bacteria during phage invasion. They have been considered as promising antivirulence agents in controlling bacterial infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. This feature inspires hope of utilizing these enzymes to disarm the polysaccharide capsules of the bacterial cells, which then strengthens the action of antibiotics. Here we have identified, cloned, and expressed a depolymerase Dpo71 from a bacteriophage specific for the gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii in a heterologous host Escherichia coli. Dpo71 sensitizes the MDR A. baumannii to the host immune attack, and also acts as an adjuvant to assist or boost the action of antibiotics, for example colistin. Specifically, Dpo71 at 10 μg/ml enables a complete bacterial eradication by human serum at 50% volume ratio. A mechanistic study shows that the enhanced bactericidal effect of colistin is attributed to the improved outer membrane destabilization capacity and binding rate to bacteria after stripping off the bacterial capsule by Dpo71. Dpo71 inhibits biofilm formation and disrupts the pre-formed biofilm. Combination of Dpo71 could significantly enhance the antibiofilm activity of colistin and improve the survival rate of A. baumannii infected Galleria mellonella. Dpo71 retains the strain-specificity of the parent phage from which Dpo71 is derived: the phage-sensitive A. baumannii strains respond to Dpo71 treatment, whereas the phage-insensitive strains do not. In summary, our work demonstrates the feasibility of using recombinant depolymerases as an antibiotic adjuvant to supplement the development of new antibacterials and to battle against MDR pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Chen
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miao Xu
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Weihao Yuan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Liming Bian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yannan Liu
- Emergency Medicine Clinical Research Center, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sharon S Y Leung
- School of Pharmacy, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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19
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Singh A, Padmesh S, Dwivedi M, Kostova I. How Good are Bacteriophages as an Alternative Therapy to Mitigate Biofilms of Nosocomial Infections. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:503-532. [PMID: 35210792 PMCID: PMC8860455 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s348700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [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: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria survive on any surface through the generation of biofilms that provide a protective environment to grow as well as making them drug resistant. Extracellular polymeric matrix is a crucial component in biofilm formation. The presence of biofilms consisting of common opportunistic and nosocomial, drug-resistant pathogens has been reported on medical devices like catheters and prosthetics, leading to many complications. Several approaches are under investigation to combat drug-resistant bacteria. Deployment of bacteriophages is one of the promising approaches to invade biofilm that may expose bacteria to the conditions adverse for their growth. Penetration into these biofilms and their destruction by bacteriophages is brought about due to their small size and ability of their progeny to diffuse through the bacterial cell wall. The other mechanisms employed by phages to infect biofilms may include their relocation through water channels to embedded host cells, replication at local sites followed by infection to the neighboring cells and production of depolymerizing enzymes to decompose viscous biofilm matrix, etc. Various research groups are investigating intricacies involved in phage therapy to mitigate the bacterial infection and biofilm formation. Thus, bacteriophages represent a good control over different biofilms and further understanding of phage-biofilm interaction at molecular level may overcome the clinical challenges in phage therapy. The present review summarizes the comprehensive details on dynamic interaction of phages with bacterial biofilms and the role of phage-derived enzymes - endolysin and depolymerases in extenuating biofilms of clinical and medical concern. The methodology employed was an extensive literature search, using several keywords in important scientific databases, such as Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, etc. The keywords were also used with Boolean operator "And". More than 250 relevant and recent articles were selected and reviewed to discuss the evidence-based data on the application of phage therapy with recent updates, and related potential challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Singh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, 226028, India
| | - Sudhakar Padmesh
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, 226028, India
| | - Manish Dwivedi
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, 226028, India
| | - Irena Kostova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, Sofia, 1000, Bulgaria
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20
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Figueiredo CM, Malvezzi Karwowski MS, da Silva Ramos RCP, de Oliveira NS, Peña LC, Carneiro E, Freitas de Macedo RE, Rosa EAR. Bacteriophages as tools for biofilm biocontrol in different fields. BIOFOULING 2021; 37:689-709. [PMID: 34304662 DOI: 10.1080/08927014.2021.1955866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Microbial biofilms are difficult to control due to the limited accessibility that antimicrobial drugs and chemicals have to the entrapped inner cells. The extracellular matrix, binds water, contributes to altered cell physiology within biofilms and act as a barrier for most antiproliferative molecules. Thus, new strategies need to be developed to overcome biofilm vitality. In this review, based on 223 documents, the advantages, recommendations, and limitations of using bacteriophages as 'biofilm predators' are presented. The plausibility of using phages (bacteriophages and mycoviruses) to control biofilms grown in different environments is also discussed. The topics covered here include recent historical experiences in biofilm control/eradication using phages in medicine, dentistry, veterinary, and food industries, the pros and cons of their use, and the development of microbial resistance/immunity to such viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Lorena Caroline Peña
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Everdan Carneiro
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | | | - Edvaldo Antonio Ribeiro Rosa
- Graduate Program in Dentistry, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Animal Sciences, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
- Xenobiotics Research Unit, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
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21
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Identification of a phage-derived depolymerase specific for KL64 capsule of Klebsiella pneumoniae and its anti-biofilm effect. Virus Genes 2021; 57:434-442. [PMID: 34156584 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-021-01847-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) poses a serious threat to global health. Phages and phage-derived enzymes gained increasing attention for controling CRKP infections. In this study, a lytic phage P510 infecting KL64 type K. pneumoniae was isolated and characterized. Whole genome analysis and electron microscopy analysis showed that phage P510 belonged to genus Przondovirus, family Autographiviridae, the order Caudovirales. The tail fiber protein of the phage was predicted to encode capsule depolymerase. Further analysis demonstrated that recombinant depolymerase P510dep had polysaccharide-degrading activity against KL64-types capsule of K. pneumoniae, and its lysis spectrum matched to host range of phage P510. We also demonstrated that the recombinant depolymerase was able to significantly inhibit biofilm formation. The discovery of the phage-derived depolymerase lays the foundation for controlling the spread of CRKPs.
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22
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Improving Phage-Biofilm In Vitro Experimentation. Viruses 2021; 13:v13061175. [PMID: 34205417 PMCID: PMC8234374 DOI: 10.3390/v13061175] [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: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages or phages, the viruses of bacteria, are abundant components of most ecosystems, including those where bacteria predominantly occupy biofilm niches. Understanding the phage impact on bacterial biofilms therefore can be crucial toward understanding both phage and bacterial ecology. Here, we take a critical look at the study of bacteriophage interactions with bacterial biofilms as carried out in vitro, since these studies serve as bases of our ecological and therapeutic understanding of phage impacts on biofilms. We suggest that phage-biofilm in vitro experiments often may be improved in terms of both design and interpretation. Specific issues discussed include (a) not distinguishing control of new biofilm growth from removal of existing biofilm, (b) inadequate descriptions of phage titers, (c) artificially small overlying fluid volumes, (d) limited explorations of treatment dosing and duration, (e) only end-point rather than kinetic analyses, (f) importance of distinguishing phage enzymatic from phage bacteriolytic anti-biofilm activities, (g) limitations of biofilm biomass determinations, (h) free-phage interference with viable-count determinations, and (i) importance of experimental conditions. Toward bettering understanding of the ecology of bacteriophage-biofilm interactions, and of phage-mediated biofilm disruption, we discuss here these various issues as well as provide tips toward improving experiments and their reporting.
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Islam MS, Yang X, Euler CW, Han X, Liu J, Hossen MI, Zhou Y, Li J. Application of a novel phage ZPAH7 for controlling multidrug-resistant Aeromonas hydrophila on lettuce and reducing biofilms. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Phage φAB6-Borne Depolymerase Combats Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilm Formation and Infection. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:antibiotics10030279. [PMID: 33803296 PMCID: PMC7998257 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10030279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Biofilm formation is one of the main causes of increased antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Bacteriophages and their derivatives, such as tail proteins with depolymerase activity, have shown considerable potential as antibacterial or antivirulence agents against bacterial infections. Here, we gained insights into the activity of a capsular polysaccharide (CPS) depolymerase, derived from the tailspike protein (TSP) of φAB6 phage, to degrade A. baumannii biofilm in vitro. Recombinant TSP showed enzymatic activity and was able to significantly inhibit biofilm formation and degrade formed biofilms; as low as 0.78 ng, the inhibition zone can still be formed on the bacterial lawn. Additionally, TSP inhibited the colonization of A. baumannii on the surface of Foley catheter sections, indicating that it can be used to prevent the adhesion of A. baumannii to medical device surfaces. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy demonstrated membrane leakage of bacterial cells treated with TSP, resulting in cell death. The therapeutic effect of TSP in zebrafish was also evaluated and the results showed that the survival rate was significantly improved (80%) compared with that of the untreated control group (10%). Altogether, we show that TSP derived from φAB6 is expected to become a new antibiotic against multi-drug resistant A. baumannii and a biocontrol agent that prevents the formation of biofilms on medical devices.
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Song J, Ruan H, Chen L, Jin Y, Zheng J, Wu R, Sun D. Potential of bacteriophages as disinfectants to control of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. BMC Microbiol 2021; 21:57. [PMID: 33607940 PMCID: PMC7896381 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-021-02117-1] [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: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Staphylococcus aureus is the causative agent of chronic mastitis, and can form a biofilm that is difficult to completely remove once formed. Disinfectants are effective against S. aureus, but their activity is easily affected by environmental factors and they are corrosive to equipment and chemically toxic to livestock and humans. Therefore, we investigated the potential utility of a bacteriophage as a narrow-spectrum disinfectant against biofilms formed by S. aureus. In this study, we isolated and characterized bacteriophage vB_SauM_SDQ (abbreviated to SDQ) to determine its efficacy in removing S. aureus biofilms. Results SDQ belongs to the family Myoviridae and consists of a hexagonal head, long neck, and short tail. This phage can sterilize a 109 CFU/mL culture of S. aureus in 12 h and multiply itself 1000-fold in that time. Biofilms formed on polystyrene, milk, and mammary-gland tissue were significantly reduced after SDQ treatment. Fluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy showed that SDQ destroyed the biofilm structure. Moreover, the titer of SDQ remained relatively high after the lysis of the bacteria and the removal of the biofilm, exerting a continuous bacteriostatic effect. SDQ also retained its full activity under conditions that mimic common environments, i.e., in the presence of nonionic detergents, tap water, or organic materials. A nonionic detergent (Triton X-100) enhanced the removal of biofilm by SDQ. Conclusions Our results suggest that SDQ, a specific lytic S. aureus phage, can be used to control biofilm infections. SDQ maintains its full activity in the presence of nonionic detergents, tap water, metal chelators, and organic materials, and can be used in combination with detergents. We propose this phage as a narrow-spectrum disinfectant against S. aureus, to augment or supplement the use of broad-spectrum disinfectants in the prevention and control of the mastitis and dairy industry contamination caused by S. aureus. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12866-021-02117-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Song
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Daqing, 163319, P. R. China
| | - Hongri Ruan
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Daqing, 163319, P. R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Daqing, 163319, P. R. China
| | - Yuqi Jin
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Daqing, 163319, P. R. China
| | - Jiasan Zheng
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Daqing, 163319, P. R. China
| | - Rui Wu
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Daqing, 163319, P. R. China.
| | - Dongbo Sun
- Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, No. 5 Xinfeng Road, Daqing, 163319, P. R. China.
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Topka-Bielecka G, Dydecka A, Necel A, Bloch S, Nejman-Faleńczyk B, Węgrzyn G, Węgrzyn A. Bacteriophage-Derived Depolymerases against Bacterial Biofilm. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:175. [PMID: 33578658 PMCID: PMC7916357 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10020175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to specific antibiotic resistance, the formation of bacterial biofilm causes another level of complications in attempts to eradicate pathogenic or harmful bacteria, including difficult penetration of drugs through biofilm structures to bacterial cells, impairment of immunological response of the host, and accumulation of various bioactive compounds (enzymes and others) affecting host physiology and changing local pH values, which further influence various biological functions. In this review article, we provide an overview on the formation of bacterial biofilm and its properties, and then we focus on the possible use of phage-derived depolymerases to combat bacterial cells included in this complex structure. On the basis of the literature review, we conclude that, although these bacteriophage-encoded enzymes may be effective in destroying specific compounds involved in the formation of biofilm, they are rarely sufficient to eradicate all bacterial cells. Nevertheless, a combined therapy, employing depolymerases together with antibiotics and/or other antibacterial agents or factors, may provide an effective approach to treat infections caused by bacteria able to form biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gracja Topka-Bielecka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Aleksandra Dydecka
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Agnieszka Necel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Sylwia Bloch
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Bożena Nejman-Faleńczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Grzegorz Węgrzyn
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308 Gdańsk, Poland; (G.T.-B.); (A.D.); (A.N.); (B.N.-F.); (G.W.)
| | - Alicja Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Phage Therapy, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdańsk, Poland;
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Advantages and limitations of microtiter biofilm assays in the model of antibiofilm activity of Klebsiella phage KP34 and its depolymerase. Sci Rep 2020; 10:20338. [PMID: 33230270 PMCID: PMC7683578 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-77198-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the potential antibiofilm strategies is to use lytic phages and phage-derived polysaccharide depolymerases. The idea is to uncover bacteria embedded in the biofilm matrix making them accessible and vulnerable to antibacterials and the immune system. Here we present the antibiofilm efficiency of lytic phage KP34 equipped with virion-associated capsule degrading enzyme (depolymerase) and its recombinant depolymerase KP34p57, depolymerase-non-bearing phage KP15, and ciprofloxacin, separately and in combination, using a multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae biofilm model. The most effective antibiofilm agents were (1) phage KP34 alone or in combination with ciprofloxacin/phage KP15, and (2) depolymerase KP34p57 with phage KP15 and ciprofloxacin. Secondly, applying the commonly used biofilm microtiter assays: (1) colony count, (2) LIVE/DEAD BacLight Bacterial Viability Kit, and (3) crystal violet (CV) biofilm staining, we unravelled the main advantages and limitations of the above methods in antibiofilm testing. The diverse mode of action of selected antimicrobials strongly influenced obtained results, including a false positive enlargement of biofilm mass (CV staining) while applying polysaccharide degrading agents. We suggest that to get a proper picture of antimicrobials' effectiveness, multiple examination methods should be used and the results must be read considering the principle of each technique and the antibacterial mechanism.
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Chegini Z, Khoshbayan A, Taati Moghadam M, Farahani I, Jazireian P, Shariati A. Bacteriophage therapy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms: a review. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2020; 19:45. [PMID: 32998720 PMCID: PMC7528332 DOI: 10.1186/s12941-020-00389-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most important bacterial pathogens that causes infection with a high mortality rate due to resistance to different antibiotics. This bacterium prompts extensive tissue damage with varying factors of virulence, and its biofilm production causes chronic and antibiotic-resistant infections. Therefore, due to the non-applicability of antibiotics for the destruction of P. aeruginosa biofilm, alternative approaches have been considered by researchers, and phage therapy is one of these new therapeutic solutions. Bacteriophages can be used to eradicate P. aeruginosa biofilm by destroying the extracellular matrix, increasing the permeability of antibiotics into the inner layer of biofilm, and inhibiting its formation by stopping the quorum-sensing activity. Furthermore, the combined use of bacteriophages and other compounds with anti-biofilm properties such as nanoparticles, enzymes, and natural products can be of more interest because they invade the biofilm by various mechanisms and can be more effective than the one used alone. On the other hand, the use of bacteriophages for biofilm destruction has some limitations such as limited host range, high-density biofilm, sub-populate phage resistance in biofilm, and inhibition of phage infection via quorum sensing in biofilm. Therefore, in this review, we specifically discuss the use of phage therapy for inhibition of P. aeruginosa biofilm in clinical and in vitro studies to identify different aspects of this treatment for broader use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Chegini
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Khoshbayan
- Student Research Committee, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Taati Moghadam
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iman Farahani
- Molecular and Medicine Research Center, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Parham Jazireian
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aref Shariati
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Knecht LE, Veljkovic M, Fieseler L. Diversity and Function of Phage Encoded Depolymerases. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2949. [PMID: 31998258 PMCID: PMC6966330 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages of the Podoviridae family often exhibit so-called depolymerases as structural components of the virion. These enzymes appear as tail spike proteins (TSPs). After specific binding to capsular polysaccharides (CPS), exopolysaccharides (EPS) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of the host bacteria, polysaccharide-repeating units are specifically cleaved. Finally, the phage reaches the last barrier, the cell wall, injects its DNA, and infects the cell. Recently, similar enzymes from bacteriophages of the Ackermannviridae, Myoviridae, and Siphoviridae families were also described. In this mini-review the diversity and function of phage encoded CPS-, EPS-, and LPS-degrading depolymerases is summarized. The function of the enzymes is described in terms of substrate specificity and applications in biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandra E Knecht
- Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Marjan Veljkovic
- Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
| | - Lars Fieseler
- Institute of Food and Beverage Innovation, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Wädenswil, Switzerland
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Tan D, Zhang Y, Cheng M, Le S, Gu J, Bao J, Qin J, Guo X, Zhu T. Characterization of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST11 Isolates and Their Interactions with Lytic Phages. Viruses 2019; 11:v11111080. [PMID: 31752386 PMCID: PMC6893751 DOI: 10.3390/v11111080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 11/17/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The bacterial pathogen Klebsiella pneumoniae causes urinary tract infections in immunocompromised patients. Generally, the overuse of antibiotics contributes to the potential development and the spread of antibiotic resistance. In fact, certain strains of K. pneumoniae are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics, making infection by these strains more difficult to treat. The use of bacteriophages to control pathogens may offer a non-antibiotic-based approach to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections. However, a detailed understanding of phage–host interactions is crucial in order to explore the potential success of phage-therapy for treatment. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of nine carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae isolates from a local hospital in Shanghai, China. All strain isolates belong to sequence type 11 (ST11) and harbor the blaKPC-2 gene. The S1-PFGE (S1 nuclease pulsed field gel electrophoresis) pattern of the isolates did not show any relationship to the multilocus sequence typing (MLST) profiles. In addition, we characterized phage 117 and phage 31 and assessed the potential application of phage therapy in treating K. pneumoniae infections in vitro. The results of morphological and genomic analyses suggested that both phages are affiliated to the T7 virus genus of the Podoviridae family. We also explored phage–host interactions during growth in both planktonic cells and biofilms. The phages’ heterogeneous lytic capacities against K. pneumoniae strains were demonstrated experimentally. Subsequent culture and urine experiments with phage 117 and host Kp36 initially demonstrated a strong lytic activity of the phages. However, rapid regrowth was observed following the initial lysis which suggests that phage resistant mutants were selected in the host populations. Additionally, a phage cocktail (117 + 31) was prepared and investigated for antimicrobial activity. In Luria Broth (LB) cultures, we observed that the cocktail showed significantly higher antimicrobial activity than phage 117 alone, but this was not observed in urine samples. Together, the results demonstrate the potential therapeutic value of phages in treating K. pneumoniae urinary tract infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demeng Tan
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
- Correspondence: (D.T.); (T.Z.)
| | - Yiyuan Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
| | - Mengjun Cheng
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
| | - Shuai Le
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
| | - Jingmin Gu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
| | - Juan Bao
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
| | - Jinhong Qin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
- Institutes of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaokui Guo
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
- Institutes of Medical Sciences, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Tongyu Zhu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China (M.C.); (S.L.); (J.G.); (J.B.); (J.Q.); (X.G.)
- Correspondence: (D.T.); (T.Z.)
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