1
|
Ali S, Aslam MA, Kanwar R, Mehmood Z, Arshad MI, Hussain S. Phage-antibiotic synergism against Salmonella typhi isolated from stool samples of typhoid patients. Ir J Med Sci 2024; 193:1377-1384. [PMID: 38158479 DOI: 10.1007/s11845-023-03599-w] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Typhoid fever is a fatal disease in humans that is caused by Salmonella typhi. S. typhi infections need immediate antibiotic therapy, and their extensive use has led to multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. The use of bacteriophages is becoming a new way to treat these resistant bacteria. This research was directed to bacteriophage isolation against S. typhi and to determine phage-antibiotic synergism. AIMS To isolate bacteriophages targeting S. typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, and investigate their potential synergistic effects when combined with antibiotics. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional study. METHODS The Widal test was positive; twenty diarrheal stool samples were taken, and for confirmation of S. typhi, different biochemical tests were performed. The disc-diffusion technique was used to determine antimicrobial resistance, and the double agar overlay method was used for bacteriophage isolation from sewage water against S. typhi. To test antibiotic-phage synergism, the S. typhi bacteria was treated by phages together with varying antibiotic concentrations. RESULTS Eleven samples were positive for S. typhi with black colonies on SS-agar. These were catalase and MR positive with alkali butt on TSI. Clear plaques were observed after the agar overlay. Isolated phages were stable at various pH and temperature levels. Synergism was observed on agar plate. The zone was enlarged when phages were combined with bacterial lawn culture and ciprofloxacin disk. Bacterial growth inhibition had a significant p-value of 0.03 in titration plates, with the phage-ciprofloxacin combination being more effective than the phage and antibiotic alone. CONCLUSION The study highlights the synergistic effects of isolated bacteriophages with antibiotics, which are not only effective against S. typhi infection but also decrease antibiotic resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saqib Ali
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Aamir Aslam
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Rabia Kanwar
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Zain Mehmood
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Imran Arshad
- Institute of Microbiology, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sarfaraz Hussain
- School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, 255049, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, 100193, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen Z, Yang Y, Li G, Huang Y, Luo Y, Le S. Effective elimination of bacteria on hard surfaces by the combined use of bacteriophages and chemical disinfectants. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0379723. [PMID: 38483478 PMCID: PMC10986474 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03797-23] [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: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) represent one of the significant causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and controlling pathogens in the hospital environment is of great importance. Currently, the standard disinfection method in the hospital environment is chemical disinfection. However, disinfectants are usually not used strictly according to the label, making them less effective in disinfection. Therefore, there is an emergent need to find a better approach that can be used in hospitals to control pathogenic bacteria in the clinical environment. Bacteriophages (phages) are effective in killing bacteria and have been applied in the treatment of bacterial infections but have not received enough attention regarding the control of contamination in the clinical environment. In this study, we found that various phages remain active in the presence of chemical disinfectants. Moreover, the combined use of specific phages and chemical disinfectants is more effective in removing bacterial biofilms and eliminating bacteria on hard surfaces. Thus, this proof-of-concept study indicates that adding phages directly to chemical disinfectants might be an effective and economical approach to enhance clinical environment disinfection. IMPORTANCE In this study, we investigated whether the combination of bacteriophages and chemical disinfectants can enhance the efficacy of reducing bacterial contamination on hard surfaces in the clinical setting. We found that specific phages are active in chemical disinfectants and that the combined use of phages and chemical disinfectants was highly effective in reducing bacterial presence on hard surfaces. As a proof-of-concept, we demonstrated that adding specific phages directly to chemical disinfectants is an effective and cost-efficient strategy for clinical environment disinfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zongyue Chen
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuhui Yang
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaoming Li
- Disease Surveillance Division, Center for Disease Control and Prevention of Central Theater Command, Shijingshan, Beijing, China
| | - Youying Huang
- Biomedical Analysis Center, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Luo
- School of Nursing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuai Le
- Department of Microbiology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Microbial Engineering Under the Educational Committee in Chongqing, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jokar J, Abdulabbas HT, Javanmardi K, Mobasher MA, Jafari S, Ghasemian A, Rahimian N, Zarenezhad A, ُSoltani Hekmat A. Enhancement of bactericidal effects of bacteriophage and gentamicin combination regimen against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in a mice diabetic wound model. Virus Genes 2024; 60:80-96. [PMID: 38079060 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-023-02037-4] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Diabetic patients are more susceptible to developing wound infections resulting in poor and delayed wound healing. Bacteriophages, the viruses that target-specific bacteria, can be used as an alternative to antibiotics to eliminate drug-resistant bacterial infections. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) are among the most frequently identified pathogens in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). The aim of this study was assessment of bacteriophage and gentamicin combination effects on bacterial isolates from DFU infections. Specific bacteriophages were collected from sewage and animal feces samples and the phages were enriched using S. aureus and P. aeruginosa cultures. The lytic potential of phage isolates was assessed by the clarity of plaques. We isolated and characterized four lytic phages: Stp2, Psp1, Stp1, and Psp2. The phage cocktail was optimized and investigated in vitro. We also assessed the effects of topical bacteriophage cocktail gel on animal models of DFU. Results revealed that the phage cocktail significantly reduced the mortality rate in diabetic infected mice. We determined that treatment with bacteriophage cocktail effectively decreased bacterial colony counts and improved wound healing in S. aureus and P. aeruginosa infections, especially when administrated concomitantly with gentamicin. The application of complementary therapy using a phage cocktail and gentamicin, could offer an attractive approach for the treatment of wound diabetic bacterial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javad Jokar
- Department of Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Science, Fasa, Iran
| | - Hussein T Abdulabbas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Medical College, Al Muthanna University, Samawah, Al Muthann, Iraq
| | - Kazem Javanmardi
- Department of Physiology, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mobasher
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Shima Jafari
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rahimian
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ali Zarenezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
4
|
Repetitive Exposure to Bacteriophage Cocktails against Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli Provokes Marginal Humoral Immunity in Naïve Mice. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020387. [PMID: 36851601 PMCID: PMC9964535 DOI: 10.3390/v15020387] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is of great interest due to the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. However, natural or therapy-induced immunity against therapeutic phages remains a potential concern. In this study, we investigated the innate and adaptive immune responses to two different phage cocktails targeting either Pseudomonas aeruginosa or Escherichia coli-two VAP-associated pathogens-in naïve mice without the confounding effects of a bacterial infection. Active or UV-inactivated phage cocktails or buffers were injected intraperitoneally daily for 7 days in C57BL/6J wild-type mice. Blood cell analysis, flow cytometry analysis, assessment of phage distribution and histopathological analysis of spleens were performed at 6 h, 10 days and 21 days after treatment start. Phages reached the lungs and although the phage cocktails were slightly immunogenic, phage injections were well tolerated without obvious adverse effects. No signs of activation of innate or adaptive immune cells were observed; however, both active phage cocktails elicited a minimal humoral response with secretion of phage-specific antibodies. Our findings show that even repetitive injections lead only to a minimal innate and adaptive immune response in naïve mice and suggest that systemic phage treatment is thus potentially suitable for treating bacterial lung infections.
Collapse
|
5
|
Alternatives Therapeutic Approaches to Conventional Antibiotics: Advantages, Limitations and Potential Application in Medicine. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11121826. [PMID: 36551487 PMCID: PMC9774722 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11121826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Resistance to antimicrobials and particularly multidrug resistance is one of the greatest challenges in the health system nowadays. The continual increase in the rates of antimicrobial resistance worldwide boosted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic poses a major public health threat. Different approaches have been employed to minimize the effect of resistance and control this threat, but the question still lingers as to their safety and efficiency. In this context, new anti-infectious approaches against multidrug resistance are being examined. Use of new antibiotics and their combination with new β-lactamase inhibitors, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, nanoparticles, and antisense antimicrobial therapeutics are considered as one such promising approach for overcoming bacterial resistance. In this review, we provide insights into these emerging alternative therapies that are currently being evaluated and which may be developed in the future to break the progression of antimicrobial resistance. We focus on their advantages and limitations and potential application in medicine. We further highlight the importance of the combination therapy approach, wherein two or more therapies are used in combination in order to more effectively combat infectious disease and increasing access to quality healthcare. These advances could give an alternate solution to overcome antimicrobial drug resistance. We eventually hope to provide useful information for clinicians who are seeking solutions to the problems caused by antimicrobial resistance.
Collapse
|
6
|
Han P, Zhang W, Pu M, Li Y, Song L, An X, Li M, Li F, Zhang S, Fan H, Tong Y. Characterization of the Bacteriophage BUCT603 and Therapeutic Potential Evaluation Against Drug-Resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in a Mouse Model. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:906961. [PMID: 35865914 PMCID: PMC9294509 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.906961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) is a common opportunistic pathogen that is resistant to many antibiotics. Bacteriophages are considered to be an effective alternative to antibiotics for the treatment of drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, we isolated and characterized a phage, BUCT603, infecting drug-resistant S. maltophilia. Genome sequencing showed BUCT603 genome was composed of 44,912 bp (32.5% G + C content) with 64 predicted open reading frames (ORFs), whereas no virulence-related genes, antibiotic-resistant genes or tRNA were identified. Whole-genome alignments showed BUCT603 shared 1% homology with other phages in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, and a phylogenetic analysis indicated BUCT603 can be classified as a new member of the Siphoviridae family. Bacteriophage BUCT603 infected 10 of 15 S. maltophilia and used the TonB protein as an adsorption receptor. BUCT603 also inhibited the growth of the host bacterium within 1 h in vitro and effectively increased the survival rate of infected mice in a mouse model. These findings suggest that bacteriophage BUCT603 has potential for development as a candidate treatment of S. maltophilia infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengjun Han
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Mingfang Pu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yahao Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lihua Song
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping An
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Mengzhe Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Clinical Laboratory Center, Taian City Central Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Shuyan Zhang
- Department of Medical Technology Support, Jingdong Medical District of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Shuyan Zhang,
| | - Huahao Fan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Huahao Fan,
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China
- Yigang Tong,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chiș AA, Rus LL, Morgovan C, Arseniu AM, Frum A, Vonica-Țincu AL, Gligor FG, Mureșan ML, Dobrea CM. Microbial Resistance to Antibiotics and Effective Antibiotherapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051121. [PMID: 35625857 PMCID: PMC9138529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Currently, the efficacy of antibiotics is severely affected by the emergence of the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon, leading to increased morbidity and mortality worldwide. Multidrug-resistant pathogens are found not only in hospital settings, but also in the community, and are considered one of the biggest public health concerns. The main mechanisms by which bacteria develop resistance to antibiotics include changes in the drug target, prevention of entering the cell, elimination through efflux pumps or inactivation of drugs. A better understanding and prediction of resistance patterns of a pathogen will lead to a better selection of active antibiotics for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bacteriophage therapy in aquaculture: current status and future challenges. Folia Microbiol (Praha) 2022; 67:573-590. [PMID: 35305247 DOI: 10.1007/s12223-022-00965-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The escalation of antibiotic resistance has revitalized bacteriophage (phage) therapy. Recently, phage therapy has been gradually applied in medicine, agriculture, food, and environmental fields due to its distinctive features of high efficiency, specificity, and environmental friendliness compared to antibiotics. Likewise, phage therapy also holds great promise in controlling pathogenic bacteria in aquaculture. The application of phage therapy instead of antibiotics to eliminate pathogenic bacteria such as Vibrio, Pseudomonas, Aeromonas, and Flavobacterium and to reduce fish mortality in aquaculture has been frequently reported. In this context, the present review summarizes and analyzes the current status of phage therapy in aquaculture, focusing on the key parameters of phage application, such as phage isolation, selection, dosage, and administration modes, and introducing the strategies and methods to boost efficacy and restrain the emergence of resistance. In addition, we discussed the human safety, environmental friendliness, and techno-economic practicability of phage therapy in aquaculture. Finally, this review outlines the current challenges of phage therapy application in aquaculture from the perspectives of phage resistance, phage-mediated resistance gene transfer, and effects on the host immune system.
Collapse
|
9
|
Xu HM, Xu WM, Zhang L. Current Status of Phage Therapy against Infectious Diseases and Potential Application beyond Infectious Diseases. Int J Clin Pract 2022; 2022:4913146. [PMID: 36263241 PMCID: PMC9550513 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4913146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal microbiota plays a key role in regulating the pathogenesis of human disease and maintaining health. Many diseases, mainly induced by bacteria, are on the rise due to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Intestinal microorganisms include organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They play an important role in maintaining human health. Among these microorganisms, phages are the main members of intestinal viromes. In particular, the viral fraction, composed essentially of phages, affects homeostasis by exerting selective pressure on bacterial communities living in the intestinal tract. In recent years, with the widespread use and even abuse of antibacterial drugs, more and more drug-resistant bacteria have been found, and they show a trend of high drug resistance and multidrug resistance. Therefore, it has also become increasingly difficult to treat serious bacterial infections. Phages, a natural antibacterial agent with strong specificity and rapid proliferation, have come back to the field of vision of clinicians and scholars. In this study, the current state of research on intestinal phages was discussed, with an exploration of the impact of phage therapy against infectious diseases, as well as potential application beyond infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Ming Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guangzhou Digestive Disease Center, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Wen-Min Xu
- Department of Endoscopy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| | - Long Zhang
- Department of Endoscopy, Affiliated Cancer Hospital and Institute of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510091, China
| |
Collapse
|