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Hegarty B. Making waves: Intelligent phage cocktail design, a pathway to precise microbial control in water systems. WATER RESEARCH 2025; 268:122594. [PMID: 39405620 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.122594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/06/2024] [Indexed: 12/19/2024]
Abstract
Current practices in water and wastewater treatment to control unwanted microbes have led to new problems, including health effects from disinfection byproducts, growth of opportunistic pathogens resistant to residual disinfectants (e.g., chlorine), and antibiotic resistance. These challenges are spurring interest in rethinking our practices of microbial control. Simultaneously, advances in molecular biology and computation power are driving renewed interest in using phages (viruses that infect bacteria) to precisely control microbial growth (aka, phage biocontrol). In this Making Waves article, I begin by reviewing the current state of research into phage cocktail design, emphasizing our limited understanding of the features of successful phage cocktails (combinations of multiple types of phages). I describe the state of modeling phage-bacteria interactions and underscore the need for increasing research efforts to predict phage cocktail success, a key gap slowing the application of phage biocontrol. I also detail how research must also focus on techniques for engineering more effective phages to offer a more rapid alternative to phage discovery from natural environments. In this way, phage cocktails comprised of phages with complementary infection strategies may be designed. The final area for increased research effort that I highlight is the need for phage cocktail design to account for possible unintended environmental effects, a risk that is increasingly acknowledged in phage ecology studies but mostly ignored by those developing phage biocontrol technologies. By focusing more research effort towards the areas necessary for intelligent phage cocktail design, we can accelerate the development of phage-based biocontrol in water systems and improve public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Hegarty
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44118, USA.
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2
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Zagaliotis P, Michalik-Provasek J, Mavridou E, Naing E, Vizirianakis IS, Chatzidimitriou D, Gill JJ, Walsh TJ. Bacteriophage treatment is effective against carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) in a neutropenic murine model of gastrointestinal translocation and renal infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0091924. [PMID: 39704532 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00919-24] [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: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 11/30/2024] [Indexed: 12/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC) are globally emerging pathogens that cause life-threatening infections. Novel treatment alternatives are urgently needed. We therefore investigated the effectiveness of three novel bacteriophages (Spivey, Pharr, and Soft) in a neutropenic murine model of KPC gastrointestinal colonization, translocation, and disseminated infection. Bacteriophage efficacy was determined by residual bacterial burden of KPC (CFU/g) in kidneys. Parallel studies were conducted of bacteriophage pharmacokinetics and resistance. Treatment of mice with 5 × 109 PFU of phage cocktail via intraperitoneal injection was effective in significantly reducing renal KPC CFU by 100-fold (P < 0.01) when administered every 24 h and 1000-fold (P < 0.01) every 12 h. Moreover, a combination of bacteriophage and ceftazidime-avibactam produced a synergistic effect, resulting in a 105-fold reduction in bacterial burden in cecum and kidney (P < 0.001 in both tissues). Prophylactic administration of bacteriophages via oral gavage did not prevent KPC translocation to the kidneys. Bacteriophage decay determined by linear regression of the ln of mean concentrations demonstrated R2 values in plasma of 0.941, kidney 0.976, and cecum 0.918, with half-lives of t1/2 = 2.5 h. Furthermore, a phage-resistant mutant displayed increased sensitivity to serum killing in vitro, but did not show significant defects in renal infection in vivo. A combination of bacteriophages demonstrated significant efficacy alone and synergy with ceftazidime/avibactam in the treatment of experimental disseminated KPC infection in neutropenic mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Zagaliotis
- Transplantation/Oncology Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jordyn Michalik-Provasek
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Eleftheria Mavridou
- Transplantation/Oncology Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ethan Naing
- Transplantation/Oncology Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ioannis S Vizirianakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Dimitrios Chatzidimitriou
- Deparment of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Jason J Gill
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University Department of Animal Science, College Station, Texas, USA
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas J Walsh
- Transplantation/Oncology Program, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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Schooley RT. Translational research priorities for bacteriophage therapeutics. Essays Biochem 2024; 68:621-631. [PMID: 39417290 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20240020] [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: 07/26/2024] [Revised: 09/18/2024] [Accepted: 09/19/2024] [Indexed: 10/19/2024]
Abstract
The growing threat of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacterial pathogens coupled with the relative dearth of promising novel antibiotics requires the discovery and development additional medical interventions. Over the past decade bacteriophages have emerged one of the most promising new tools to combat AMR pathogens. Anecdotal clinical experiences under so-called 'compassionate use' regulatory pathways as well as a limited number of clinical trials have provided ample evidence of safety and early evidence of efficacy. For phages to reach their full potential it is critical that rigorous clinical trials be conducted that define their optimal use and that enable regulatory authorities to support the commercialization required to afford global access. The clinical development of phage therapeutics requires the design and execution of clinical trials that take full advantage of lessons learned from a century of antibiotic development and that use clinical investigation as a platform in which aspects of phage biology that are critical to therapeutics are more clearly elucidated. Translational research that elucidates phage biology in the context of clinical trials will promote highly relevant hypothesis-driven work in basic science laboratories and will greatly accelerate the development of the field of phage therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T Schooley
- Department of Medicine, Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH), University of California San Diego, CA, U.S.A
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Zulk JJ, Patras KA, Maresso AW. The rise, fall, and resurgence of phage therapy for urinary tract infection. EcoSal Plus 2024; 12:eesp00292023. [PMID: 39665540 PMCID: PMC11636367 DOI: 10.1128/ecosalplus.esp-0029-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/13/2024]
Abstract
In the face of rising antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophage therapy, also known as phage therapy, is seeing a resurgence as a potential treatment for bacterial infections including urinary tract infection (UTI). Primarily caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli, the 400 million UTI cases annually are major global healthcare burdens and a primary cause of antibiotic prescriptions in the outpatient setting. Phage therapy has several potential advantages over antibiotics including the ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms and synergize with antimicrobial treatments with minimal side effects or impacts on the microbiota. Phage therapy for UTI treatment has shown generally favorable results in recent animal models and human case reports. Ongoing clinical trials seek to understand the efficacy of phage therapy in individuals with asymptomatic bacteriuria and uncomplicated cystitis. A possible challenge for phage therapy is the development of phage resistance in bacteria during treatment. While resistance frequently develops in vitro and in vivo, resistance can come with negative consequences for the bacteria, leaving them susceptible to antibiotics and other environmental conditions and reducing their overall virulence. "Steering" bacteria toward phage resistance outcomes that leave them less fit or virulent is especially useful in the context of UTI where poorly adherent or slow-growing bacteria are likely to be flushed from the system. In this article, we describe the history of phage therapy in treating UTI and its current resurgence, the state of its clinical use, and an outlook on how well-designed phage therapy could be used to "steer" bacteria toward less virulent and antimicrobial-susceptible states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J. Zulk
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kathryn A. Patras
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Alkek Center for Metagenomics and Microbiome Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony W. Maresso
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Tailored Antibacterials and Innovative Laboratories for Phage (Φ) Research (TAILΦR), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Rastegar S, Skurnik M, Niaz H, Tadjrobehkar O, Samareh A, Hosseini-Nave H, Sabouri S. Isolation, characterization, and potential application of Acinetobacter baumannii phages against extensively drug-resistant strains. Virus Genes 2024; 60:725-736. [PMID: 39256307 DOI: 10.1007/s11262-024-02103-5] [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: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
One of the significant issues in treating bacterial infections is the increasing prevalence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of Acinetobacter baumannii. In the face of limited or no viable treatment options for extensively drug-resistant (XDR) bacteria, there is a renewed interest in utilizing bacteriophages as a treatment option. Three Acinetobacter phages (vB_AbaS_Ftm, vB_AbaS_Eva, and vB_AbaS_Gln) were identified from hospital sewage and analyzed for their morphology, host ranges, and their genome sequences were determined and annotated. These phages and vB_AbaS_SA1 were combined to form a phage cocktail. The antibacterial effects of this cocktail and its combinations with selected antimicrobial agents were evaluated against the XDR A. baumannii strains. The phages exhibited siphovirus morphology. Out of a total of 30 XDR A. baumannii isolates, 33% were sensitive to vB_AbaS_Ftm, 30% to vB_AbaS_Gln, and 16.66% to vB_AbaS_Eva. When these phages were combined with antibiotics, they demonstrated a synergistic effect. The genome sizes of vB_AbaS_Ftm, vB_AbaS_Eva, and vB_AbaS_Gln were 48487, 50174, and 50043 base pairs (bp), respectively, and showed high similarity. Phage cocktail, when combined with antibiotics, showed synergistic effects on extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains of A. baumannii. However, the need for further study to fully understand the mechanisms of action and potential limitations of using these phages is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Rastegar
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology), Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mikael Skurnik
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hira Niaz
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Human Microbiome Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Omid Tadjrobehkar
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Department of Medical Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology), Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Samareh
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hossein Hosseini-Nave
- Medical Mycology and Bacteriology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Medical Microbiology (Bacteriology and Virology), Afzalipour School of Medicine, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616913439, Iran.
| | - Salehe Sabouri
- Extremophile and Productive Microorganisms Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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6
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Kim MK, Chen Q, Echterhof A, Pennetzdorfer N, McBride RC, Banaei N, Burgener EB, Milla CE, Bollyky PL. A blueprint for broadly effective bacteriophage-antibiotic cocktails against bacterial infections. Nat Commun 2024; 15:9987. [PMID: 39609398 PMCID: PMC11604943 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53994-9] [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: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 10/29/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a promising therapeutic modality for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, but its application is mainly limited to personalized therapy due to the narrow host range of individual phages. While phage cocktails targeting all possible bacterial receptors could theoretically confer broad coverage, the extensive diversity of bacteria and the complexity of phage-phage interactions render this approach challenging. Here, using screening protocols for identifying "complementarity groups" of phages using non-redundant receptors, we generate effective, broad-range phage cocktails that prevent the emergence of bacterial resistance. We also discover characteristic interactions between phage complementarity groups and particular antibiotic classes, facilitating the prediction of phage-antibiotic as well as phage-phage interactions. Using this strategy, we create three phage-antibiotic cocktails, each demonstrating efficacy against ≥96% of 153 Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates, including biofilm cultures, and demonstrate comparable efficacy in an in vivo wound infection model. We similarly develop effective Staphylococcus aureus phage-antibiotic cocktails and demonstrate their utility of combined cocktails against polymicrobial (mixed P. aeruginosa/S. aureus) cultures, highlighting the broad applicability of this approach. These studies establish a blueprint for the development of effective, broad-spectrum phage-antibiotic cocktails, paving the way for off-the-shelf phage-based therapeutics to combat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minyoung Kevin Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - Qingquan Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Arne Echterhof
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Nina Pennetzdorfer
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Robert C McBride
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Niaz Banaei
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Carlos E Milla
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Paul L Bollyky
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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7
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Mary AS, Kalangadan N, Prakash J, Sundaresan S, Govindarajan S, Rajaram K. Relative fitness of wild-type and phage-resistant pyomelanogenic P. aeruginosa and effects of combinatorial therapy on resistant formation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e40076. [PMID: 39559211 PMCID: PMC11570307 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2024] [Accepted: 10/31/2024] [Indexed: 11/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, the natural predators of bacteria, are incredibly potent candidates to counteract antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, the rapid development of phage-resistant mutants challenges the potential of phage therapy. Understanding the mechanisms of bacterial adaptations to phage predation is crucial for phage-based prognostic applications. Phage cocktails and combinatorial therapy, using optimized dosage patterns of antibiotics, can negate the development of phage-resistant mutations and prolong therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we describe the characterization of a novel bacteriophage and the physiology of phage-resistant mutant developed during infection. M12PA is a P. aeruginosa-infecting bacteriophage with Myoviridae morphology. We observed that prolonged exposure of P. aeruginosa to M12PA resulted in the selection of phage-resistant mutants. Among the resistant mutants, pyomelanin-producing mutants, named PA-M, were developed at a frequency of 1 in 16. Compared to the wild-type, we show that PA-M mutant is severely defective in virulence properties, with altered motility, biofilm formation, growth rate, and antibiotic resistance profile. The PA-M mutant exhibited reduced pathogenesis in an allantoic-infected chick embryo model system compared to the wild-type. Finally, we provide evidence that combinatory therapy, combining M12PA with antibiotics or other phages, significantly delayed the emergence of resistant mutants. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential of combinatory phage therapy to delay the development of phage-resistant mutants and enhance the efficacy of phage-based treatments against P. aeruginosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aarcha Shanmugha Mary
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Nashath Kalangadan
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - John Prakash
- Department of Chemistry, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Srivignesh Sundaresan
- Department of Horticulture, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sutharsan Govindarajan
- Department of Biological Sciences, SRM University, AP, Amaravati, 522240, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Kaushik Rajaram
- Department of Microbiology, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, Tamil Nadu, India
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Lin W, Li D, Pan L, Li M, Tong Y. Cyanobacteria-cyanophage interactions between freshwater and marine ecosystems based on large-scale cyanophage genomic analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 950:175201. [PMID: 39102952 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.175201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The disparities in harmful algal blooms dynamics are largely attributed to variations in cyanobacteria populations within aquatic ecosystems. However, cyanobacteria-cyanophage interactions and their role in shaping cyanobacterial populations has been previously underappreciated. To address this knowledge gap, we isolated and sequenced 42 cyanophages from diverse water sources in China, with the majority (n = 35) originating from freshwater sources. We designated these sequences as the "Novel Cyanophage Genome sequence Collection" (NCGC). NCGC displayed notable genetic variations, with 95 % (40/42) of the sequences representing previously unidentified taxonomic ranks. By integrating NCGC with public data of cyanophages and cyanobacteria, we found evidence for more frequent historical cyanobacteria-cyanophage interactions in freshwater ecosystems. This was evidenced by a higher prevalence of prophage integrase-related genes in freshwater cyanophages (37.97 %) than marine cyanophages (7.42 %). In addition, freshwater cyanophages could infect a broader range of cyanobacteria orders (n = 4) than marine ones (n = 0). Correspondingly, freshwater cyanobacteria harbored more defense systems per million base pairs in their genomes, indicating more frequent phage infections. Evolutionary and cyanophage epidemiological studies suggest that interactions between cyanobacteria and cyanophages in freshwater and marine ecosystems are interconnected, and that brackish water can act as a transitional zone for freshwater and marine cyanophages. In conclusion, our research significantly expands the genetic information database of cyanophage, offering a wider selection of cyanophages to control harmful cyanobacterial blooms. Additionally, we represent a pioneering large-scale and comprehensive analysis of cyanobacteria and cyanophage sequencing data, and it provides theoretical guidance for the application of cyanophages in different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Lin
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Dengfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Lingting Pan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Zhejiang Province, School of Marine Sciences, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, China
| | - Mengzhe Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Yigang Tong
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China; Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Soft Matter Science and Engineering (BAIC-SM), Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
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Grygiel I, Bajrak O, Wójcicki M, Krusiec K, Jończyk-Matysiak E, Górski A, Majewska J, Letkiewicz S. Comprehensive Approaches to Combatting Acinetobacter baumannii Biofilms: From Biofilm Structure to Phage-Based Therapies. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:1064. [PMID: 39596757 PMCID: PMC11591314 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13111064] [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: 10/21/2024] [Revised: 11/05/2024] [Accepted: 11/06/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii-a multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogen that causes, for example, skin and soft tissue wounds; urinary tract infections; pneumonia; bacteremia; and endocarditis, particularly due to its ability to form robust biofilms-poses a significant challenge in clinical settings. This structure protects the bacteria from immune responses and antibiotic treatments, making infections difficult to eradicate. Given the rise in antibiotic resistance, alternative therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. Bacteriophage-based strategies have emerged as a promising solution for combating A. baumannii biofilms. Phages, which are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, offer a targeted and effective means of disrupting biofilm and lysing bacterial cells. This review explores the current advancements in bacteriophage therapy, focusing on its potential for treating A. baumannii biofilm-related infections. We described the mechanisms by which phages interact with biofilms, the challenges in phage therapy implementation, and the strategies being developed to enhance its efficacy (phage cocktails, engineered phages, combination therapies with antibiotics). Understanding the role of bacteriophages in both biofilm disruption and in inhibition of its forming could pave the way for innovative treatments in combating MDR A. baumannii infections as well as the prevention of their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Grygiel
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (I.G.); (O.B.); (M.W.); (K.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Olaf Bajrak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (I.G.); (O.B.); (M.W.); (K.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Michał Wójcicki
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (I.G.); (O.B.); (M.W.); (K.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Klaudia Krusiec
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (I.G.); (O.B.); (M.W.); (K.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Ewa Jończyk-Matysiak
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (I.G.); (O.B.); (M.W.); (K.K.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrzej Górski
- Bacteriophage Laboratory, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland; (I.G.); (O.B.); (M.W.); (K.K.); (A.G.)
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Professor Emeritus, Department of Immunology, The Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Majewska
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, University of Wrocław, 51-148 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Sławomir Letkiewicz
- Phage Therapy Unit, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, 53-114 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Długosz University, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
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10
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Wang R, You X, Liu X, Fei B, Li Y, Wang D, Zhu R, Li Y. Characterization of phage HZY2308 against Acinetobacter baumannii and identification of phage-resistant bacteria. Virol J 2024; 21:283. [PMID: 39511647 PMCID: PMC11546264 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02556-y] [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: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acinetobacter baumannii (AB) is a notable cause of hospital-acquired infections, with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) classified as a high-priority critical pathogen. Bacteriophage therapy is emerging as a promising alternative to combat drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, a lytic phage, HZY2308, was isolated from hospital sewage, and the biological properties, biosafety and anti-biofilm properties of phage HZY2308 were characterized and identified. Moreover, the antibacterial effect of phage HZY2308 in combination with antibiotics was investigated, and the apparent characteristics of phage-resistant strain AB48-R were demonstrated, which provided data support for further studies to elucidate the mechanism of generating phage resistance. METHODS Phage HZY2308 was isolated by double agar plate method using clinical strain AB48 as the host bacterium. The morphology of phage HZY2308 was identified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and biological characteristics of phage HZY2308 were identified by host range, the efficiency of plating (EOP), sensitivity to temperature, pH, and chloroform, one-step growth curve, the optimal multiplicity of infection (MOI), and detection of endotoxin and cytotoxicity. Besides, the complete genome map of HZY2308 was constructed using CGview, and the phylogenetic tree of HZY2308 was constructed with MEGA. Additionally, the full genomic sequence of phage HZY2308 and the selected phage were compared using Easyfig. Checkerboard test of phage HZY2308 in combination with tigecycline (TGC) was performed to investigate their synergistic effect and bactericidal kinetics. The effect of HZY2308 on biofilm was investigated by semi-quantitative staining of biofilm with crystal violet, determination of bacterial activity in biofilm by 2,3-Bis (2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl) -2 H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide (XTT) assay and observation of biofilm structure by fluorescence microscopy. Finally, Phage-resistant bacteria AB48-R were characterized by colony-forming capacity, morphology, growth curves, adsorption efficiency, and antibiotic susceptibility assays. RESULTS A lytic phage, HZY2308, was isolated from hospital sewage, which exhibited advantageous traits such as a brief incubation period, large burst size, and robust stability. Safety assessments conducted at both genetic and cellular levels also have yielded positive outcomes. Besides, phage HZY2308 effectively inhibited AB biofilm formation and disrupted established biofilm structures. Furthermore, a synergistic antibacterial effect was noted when phage HZY2308 was combined with tigecycline. Interestingly, the phage-resistant strain, AB48-R was screened through natural selection. Compared to the wild strain AB48, the adsorption efficiency of the phage to AB48-R diminished. However, AB48-R's sensitivity to antibiotics such as cefepime, gentamicin, amikacin, and tobramycin increased, indicating an evolutionary trade-off. CONCLUSIONS Phage HZY2308 shows strong antimicrobial potential, especially in combination with tigecycline, and the phage-resistant strain exhibits increased antibiotic sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruilin Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Xiaojuan You
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Xinwei Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Bing Fei
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Yifan Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Dan Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China
| | - Rui Zhu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
| | - Yongwei Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Henan Province Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbes & Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Identification of Pathogenic Microbes, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
- Henan Provincial Key Laboratory of Antibiotics-Resistant Bacterial Infection Prevention & Therapy with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, 450002, China.
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11
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Kitchens SR, Wang C, Price SB. Bridging Classical Methodologies in Salmonella Investigation with Modern Technologies: A Comprehensive Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:2249. [PMID: 39597638 PMCID: PMC11596670 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12112249] [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: 09/30/2024] [Revised: 11/01/2024] [Accepted: 11/03/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Advancements in genomics and machine learning have significantly enhanced the study of Salmonella epidemiology. Whole-genome sequencing has revolutionized bacterial genomics, allowing for detailed analysis of genetic variation and aiding in outbreak investigations and source tracking. Short-read sequencing technologies, such as those provided by Illumina, have been instrumental in generating draft genomes that facilitate serotyping and the detection of antimicrobial resistance. Long-read sequencing technologies, including those from Pacific Biosciences and Oxford Nanopore Technologies, offer the potential for more complete genome assemblies and better insights into genetic diversity. In addition to these sequencing approaches, machine learning techniques like decision trees and random forests provide powerful tools for pattern recognition and predictive modeling. Importantly, the study of bacteriophages, which interact with Salmonella, offers additional layers of understanding. Phages can impact Salmonella population dynamics and evolution, and their integration into Salmonella genomics research holds promise for novel insights into pathogen control and epidemiology. This review revisits the history of Salmonella and its pathogenesis and highlights the integration of these modern methodologies in advancing our understanding of Salmonella.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stuart B. Price
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, 1130 Wire Road, Auburn, AL 36849-5519, USA; (S.R.K.); (C.W.)
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12
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Kolenda C, Jourdan J, Roussel-Gaillard T, Medina M, Laurent F. Phage susceptibility testing methods or 'phagograms': where do we stand and where should we go? J Antimicrob Chemother 2024; 79:2742-2749. [PMID: 39271114 DOI: 10.1093/jac/dkae325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a highly promising approach to address the challenge that is presented by the global burden of antimicrobial resistance. Given the natural specificity of phages, phage susceptibility testing (PST) is a prerequisite for successful personalized therapy, allowing the selection of active phages from large and diverse collections. However, the issue of an easy-to-use and standardized technique remains. In this review, we describe the principles, advantages and drawbacks of two routinely used PST techniques: plaque and growth kinetic assays. These are labour-intensive and time-consuming methods that require automation of one or more steps, including preparation of test panels, incubation, reading and analysis of results. In addition to automation, there is an urgent need to establish a reference method to enable efficient of PST techniques selection of therapeutic phages. We discuss knowledge gaps and parameters that need to be investigated to work towards this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Kolenda
- Service de bactériologie, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Team StaPath, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Julie Jourdan
- Service de bactériologie, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | | | - Mathieu Medina
- Service de bactériologie, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Team StaPath, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Frédéric Laurent
- Service de bactériologie, Institut des Agents Infectieux, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Team StaPath, CIRI-Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, Université de Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon, Lyon, France
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13
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Shamsuzzaman M, Kim S, Choi YJ, Kim B, Dahal RH, Shin M, Kim J. Therapeutic Phage Candidates for Targeting Prevalent Sequence Types of Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2024; 21:681-688. [PMID: 39045774 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2024.0023] [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] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli (CREC) is a global threat to public health; therefore, alternative treatment options are urgently needed. Bacteriophages have emerged as promising candidates for combating CREC infections. This study aimed to investigate the genetic basis of phage sensitivity in CREC by evaluating carbapenem resistance among multidrug-resistant (MDR) E. coli isolated in Daegu, South Korea and analyzing their sequence types (STs) with phage susceptibility spectra. Among the 60 MDR E. coli isolates, 80.4% were identified as CREC, with 77.0% demonstrating resistance to imipenem and 66.6% to meropenem. Moreover, 70 lytic E. coli bacteriophages were isolated from hospital sewage water and evaluated against those 60 E. coli isolates. The phages exhibited lytic activity of 33%-60%, with average titers ranging from 5.6 × 1012 to 2.4 × 1013 PFU/mL (Plaque-Forming Unit). Furthermore, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis of the bacterial isolates revealed 14 distinct STs, mostly belonging to ST131, ST410, and ST648. Notably, the phage susceptibility spectra of ST73, ST13003, ST648, ST2311, ST167, ST405, ST607, ST7962, and ST131 were significantly different. Thus, the isolated phages can effectively lyse CREC isolates, particularly those with clinically dominant STs. Conversely, ST410 exhibited a 14.2%-87.14% susceptibility spectrum, whereas ST1139, ST1487, ST10, and ST206 did not lyse, suggesting the presence of more resistant STs. Future studies are warranted to identify the reasons behind this resistance and address it. Ultimately, this study will aid in developing focused treatments to address these pressing global health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Shamsuzzaman
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Shukho Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Jung Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyung Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ram Hari Dahal
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Minsang Shin
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungmin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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14
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Sawa T, Moriyama K, Kinoshita M. Current status of bacteriophage therapy for severe bacterial infections. J Intensive Care 2024; 12:44. [PMID: 39482746 PMCID: PMC11529433 DOI: 10.1186/s40560-024-00759-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 10/23/2024] [Indexed: 11/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The increase in the incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a global public health threat. According to a 2019 WHO report, approximately 1.27 million deaths were attributed to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with many cases linked to specific bacterial species, such as drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. By 2050, the number of deaths caused by these bacteria is predicted to surpass that caused by cancer. In response to this serious situation, phage therapy, an alternative to antibiotic treatment, has gained attention. Phage therapy involves the use of viruses that target specific bacteria to treat infections. This method has proven effective in multiple clinical cases, particularly for patients with severe infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. For example, there are reports of patients with systemic infections caused by multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter who recovered following phage administration and patients infected with panresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa who were cured by phage therapy. A key feature of phage therapy is its high specificity. Phages infect only specific bacteria and eliminate them. However, this specificity can also be a disadvantage, as careful selection of the appropriate phage for the target bacteria is needed. Additionally, bacteria can develop resistance to phages, potentially reducing treatment effectiveness over time. Efforts are underway to select, combine, and improve phages to address these challenges. In Belgium, a national phage bank has been established, and in the United States, the University of California, San Diego, has founded Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH), marking significant progress toward the clinical application of phage therapy in the country. As a result, phage therapy is emerging as a component of personalized medicine, offering a new treatment option against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The clinical application of phage therapy is particularly important in life-saving treatments for patients with severe bacterial infections, and its use in conjunction with antibiotics could enhance therapeutic outcomes. Continued research and development of this therapy could provide hope for many more patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teiji Sawa
- University Hospital, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kajiicho, Kawaramachi-Hirokoji-Agaru, Kamigyo, Kyoto, 602-8566, Japan.
| | - Kiyoshi Moriyama
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kyorin University, Mitaka, Japan
| | - Mao Kinoshita
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
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15
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Costa P, Pereira C, Romalde JL, Almeida A. A game of resistance: War between bacteria and phages and how phage cocktails can be the solution. Virology 2024; 599:110209. [PMID: 39186863 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2024.110209] [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: 05/29/2024] [Revised: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
While phages hold promise as an antibiotic alternative, they encounter significant challenges in combating bacterial infections, primarily due to the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria. Bacterial defence mechanisms like superinfection exclusion, CRISPR, and restriction-modification systems can hinder phage effectiveness. Innovative strategies, such as combining different phages into cocktails, have been explored to address these challenges. This review delves into these defence mechanisms and their impact at each stage of the infection cycle, their challenges, and the strategies phages have developed to counteract them. Additionally, we examine the role of phage cocktails in the evolving landscape of antibacterial treatments and discuss recent studies that highlight the effectiveness of diverse phage cocktails in targeting essential bacterial receptors and combating resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Costa
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Carla Pereira
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
| | - Jesús L Romalde
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, CRETUS & CIBUS - Faculty of Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, CP 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Adelaide Almeida
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
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16
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Gaborieau B, Delattre R, Adiba S, Clermont O, Denamur E, Ricard JD, Debarbieux L. Variable fitness effects of bacteriophage resistance mutations in Escherichia coli: implications for phage therapy. J Virol 2024; 98:e0111324. [PMID: 39213164 PMCID: PMC11495123 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01113-24] [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: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria exposed to bactericidal treatment, such as antibiotics or bacteriophages (phages), often develop resistance. While phage therapy is proposed as a solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis, the bacterial resistance emerging during phage therapy remains poorly characterized. In this study, we examined a large population of phage-resistant extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli 536 clones that emerged from both in vitro (non-limited liquid medium) and in vivo (murine pneumonia) conditions. Genome sequencing uncovered a convergent mutational pattern in phage resistance mechanisms under both conditions, particularly targeting two cell-wall components, the K15 capsule and the lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This suggests that their identification in vivo could be predicted from in vitro assays. Phage-resistant clones exhibited a wide range of fitness according to in vitro tests, growth rate, and resistance to amoeba grazing, which could not distinguish between the K15 capsule and LPS mutants. In contrast, K15 capsule mutants retained virulence comparable to the wild-type strain, whereas LPS mutants showed significant attenuation in the murine pneumonia model. Additionally, we observed that resistance to the therapeutic phage through a nonspecific mechanism, such as capsule overproduction, did not systematically lead to co-resistance to other phages that were initially capable or incapable of infecting the wild-type strain. Our findings highlight the importance of incorporating a diverse range of phages in the design of therapeutic cocktails to target potential future phage-resistant clones effectively. IMPORTANCE This study isolated more than 50 phage-resistant mutants from both in vitro and in vivo conditions, exposing an extra-intestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli strain to a single virulent phage. The characterization of these clones revealed several key findings: (1) mutations occurring during phage treatment affect the same pathways as those identified in vitro; (2) the resistance mechanisms are associated with the modification of two cell-wall components, with one involving receptor deletion (phage-specific mechanism) and the other, less frequent, involving receptor masking (phage-nonspecific mechanism); (3) an in vivo virulence assay demonstrated that the absence of the receptor abolishes virulence while masking the receptor preserves it; and (4) clones with a resistance mechanism nonspecific to a particular phage can remain susceptible to other phages. This supports the idea of incorporating diverse phages into therapeutic cocktails designed to collectively target both wild-type and phage-resistant strains, including those with resistance mechanisms nonspecific to a phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Gaborieau
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1137, IAME, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Bacteriophage Bacterium Host, Paris, France
- APHP, Hôpital Louis Mourier, DMU ESPRIT, Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Colombes, France
| | - Raphaëlle Delattre
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1137, IAME, Paris, France
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Bacteriophage Bacterium Host, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Adiba
- Institut de Biologie de l'ENS (IBENS), École Normale Supérieure CNRS UMR8197, Paris, France
| | | | - Erick Denamur
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1137, IAME, Paris, France
- APHP, Hôpital Bichat, Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Damien Ricard
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR1137, IAME, Paris, France
- APHP, Hôpital Louis Mourier, DMU ESPRIT, Service de Médecine Intensive Réanimation, Colombes, France
| | - Laurent Debarbieux
- Institut Pasteur, Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR6047, Bacteriophage Bacterium Host, Paris, France
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17
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Song Y, Gu W, Hu Y, Zhang B, Wang J, Sun Y, Fu W, Li X, Xing X, Wang S. Isolation and Characterization of Two Novel Lytic Bacteriophages against Salmonella typhimurium and Their Biocontrol Potential in Food Products. Foods 2024; 13:3103. [PMID: 39410138 PMCID: PMC11476292 DOI: 10.3390/foods13193103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2024] [Revised: 09/23/2024] [Accepted: 09/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Foodborne pathogens, such as Salmonella, are major factors that pose significant threats to global food safety and public health. Salmonella typhimurium is a prominent serotype contributing to non-typhoidal salmonellosis, which is a prevalent foodborne illness affecting humans and animals. Bacteriophages are considered one of the most environmentally friendly biocontrol agents, particularly in the food industry, owing to their high specificity and high safety. However, the emergency of phage-resistant mutants limits the biocontrol effect of phage treatment, leading to the requirement for a high diversity of lytic phages. Therefore, the study isolated and characterized two novel lytic Salmonella bacteriophages (SPYS_1 and SPYS_2) targeting S. typhimurium ATCC14028 and evaluated their effectiveness in reducing the contamination rates for milk and chicken tenders. Morphological and genomic analyses indicated that Salmonella phages SPYS_1 and SPYS_2 are novel species classified under the genus Skatevirus and the genus Berlinvirus, respectively. Both phages exhibited high stability across a broad range of thermal and pH conditions. The one-step growth curve result suggested that both phages had a short adsorption time and a large burst size in a single lytic cycle. The phage SPYS_1 demonstrated a noteworthy inhibition effect on the growth of S. typhimurium ATCC14028 in milk, resulting in a ~2-log reduction within the 2 to 4 h range. Overall, both phages have shown significant potential for application in food safety in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shuo Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Food Science and Health, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China; (Y.S.); (W.G.); (Y.H.); (B.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.S.); (W.F.); (X.L.); (X.X.)
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18
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Bernabéu-Gimeno M, Pardo-Freire M, Chan BK, Turner PE, Gil-Brusola A, Pérez-Tarazona S, Carrasco-Hernández L, Quintana-Gallego E, Domingo-Calap P. Neutralizing antibodies after nebulized phage therapy in cystic fibrosis patients. MED 2024; 5:1096-1111.e6. [PMID: 38917792 DOI: 10.1016/j.medj.2024.05.017] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are prone to recurrent multi-drug-resistant (MDR) bacterial lung infections. Under this scenario, phage therapy has been proposed as a promising tool. However, the limited number of reported cases hampers the understanding of clinical outcomes. Anti-phage immune responses have often been overlooked and only described following invasive routes of administration. METHODS Three monophage treatments against Staphylococcus aureus and/or Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infections were conducted in cystic fibrosis patients. In-house phage preparations were nebulized over 10 days with standard-of-care antibiotics. Clinical indicators, bacterial counts, phage and antibiotic susceptibility, phage detection, and immune responses were monitored. FINDINGS Bacterial load was reduced by 3-6 log in two of the treatments. No adverse events were described. Phages remained in sputum up to 33 days after completion of the treatment. In all cases, phage-neutralizing antibodies were detected in serum from 10 to 42 days post treatment, with this being the first report of anti-phage antibodies after nebulized therapy. CONCLUSIONS Nebulized phage therapy reduced bacterial load, improving quality of life even without bacterial eradication. The emergence of antibodies emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring to better understand clinical outcomes. These findings encourage the use of personalized monophage therapies in contrast to ready-to-use cocktails, which might induce undesirable antibody generation. FUNDING This study was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities; Generalitat Valenciana; and a crowdfunding in collaboration with the Spanish Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Bernabéu-Gimeno
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Marco Pardo-Freire
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain
| | - Benjamin K Chan
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Paul E Turner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520, USA; Program in Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ana Gil-Brusola
- Microbiology Department, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain; Severe Infection Research Group, Health Research Institute La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Santiago Pérez-Tarazona
- Pediatric Pulmonology Unit, La Fe University and Polytechnic Hospital, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Laura Carrasco-Hernández
- Medical-Surgical Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; CIBER Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Esther Quintana-Gallego
- Medical-Surgical Unit of Respiratory Diseases, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; CIBER Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Domingo-Calap
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain.
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19
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Molendijk MM, Boekema BKHL, Lattwein KR, Vlig M, Bode LGM, Koopmans MPG, Verbon A, de Graaf M, van Wamel WJB. Bacteriophage therapy reduces Staphylococcus aureus in a porcine and human ex vivo burn wound infection model. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0065024. [PMID: 39136463 PMCID: PMC11373223 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00650-24] [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: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Burn wounds are a major burden, with high mortality rates due to infections. Staphylococcus aureus is a major causative agent of burn wound infections, which can be difficult to treat because of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. An alternative to antibiotics is the use of bacteriophages, viruses that infect and kill bacteria. We investigated the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy for burn wound infections, in both a porcine and a newly developed human ex vivo skin model. In both models, the efficacy of a reference antibiotic treatment (fusidic acid) and bacteriophage treatment was determined for a single treatment, successive treatment, and prophylaxis. Both models showed a reduction in bacterial load after a single bacteriophage treatment. Increasing the frequency of bacteriophage treatments increased bacteriophage efficacy in the human ex vivo skin model, but not in the porcine model. In both models, prophylaxis with bacteriophages increased treatment efficacy. In all cases, bacteriophage treatment outperformed fusidic acid treatment. Both models allowed investigation of bacteriophage-bacteria dynamics in burn wounds. Overall, bacteriophage treatment outperformed antibiotic control underlining the potential of bacteriophage therapy for the treatment of burn wound infections, especially when used prophylactically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michèle M Molendijk
- Department Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Kirby R Lattwein
- Department of Cardiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel Vlig
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, the Netherlands
| | - Lonneke G M Bode
- Department Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Annelies Verbon
- Department Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda de Graaf
- Department of Viroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Willem J B van Wamel
- Department Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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20
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Fernández-Fernández R, Olivenza DR, Weyer E, Singh A, Casadesús J, Antonia Sánchez-Romero M. Evolution of a bistable genetic system in fluctuating and nonfluctuating environments. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322371121. [PMID: 39213178 PMCID: PMC11388349 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322371121] [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: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms can generate bacterial lineages capable of spontaneously switching between distinct phenotypes. Currently, mathematical models and simulations propose epigenetic switches as a mechanism of adaptation to deal with fluctuating environments. However, bacterial evolution experiments for testing these predictions are lacking. Here, we exploit an epigenetic switch in Salmonella enterica, the opvAB operon, to show clear evidence that OpvAB bistability persists in changing environments but not in stable conditions. Epigenetic control of transcription in the opvAB operon produces OpvABOFF (phage-sensitive) and OpvABON (phage-resistant) cells in a reversible manner and may be interpreted as an example of bet-hedging to preadapt Salmonella populations to the encounter with phages. Our experimental observations and computational simulations illustrate the adaptive value of epigenetic variation as an evolutionary strategy for mutation avoidance in fluctuating environments. In addition, our study provides experimental support to game theory models predicting that phenotypic heterogeneity is advantageous in changing and unpredictable environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Fernández-Fernández
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla41012, Spain
| | - David R. Olivenza
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla41012, Spain
| | - Esther Weyer
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE19716
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE19716
| | - Abhyudai Singh
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE19716
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Delaware, Newark, DE19716
| | - Josep Casadesús
- Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla41012, Spain
| | - María Antonia Sánchez-Romero
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla41012, Spain
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21
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Han X, Yao J, He J, Liu H, Jiang Y, Zhao D, Shi Q, Zhou J, Hu H, Lan P, Zhou H, Li X. Clinical and laboratory insights into the threat of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2024; 64:107275. [PMID: 39002700 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2024.107275] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKP) typically causes severe invasive infections affecting multiple sites in healthy individuals. In the past, hvKP was characterized by a hypermucoviscosity phenotype, susceptibility to antimicrobial agents, and its tendency to cause invasive infections in healthy individuals within the community. However, there has been an alarming increase in reports of multidrug-resistant hvKP, particularly carbapenem-resistant strains, causing nosocomial infections in critically ill or immunocompromised patients. This presents a significant challenge for clinical treatment. Early identification of hvKP is crucial for timely infection control. Notably, identifying hvKP has become confusing due to its prevalence in nosocomial settings and the limited predictive specificity of the hypermucoviscosity phenotype. Novel virulence predictors for hvKP have been discovered through animal models or machine learning algorithms, while standardization of identification criteria is still necessary. Timely source control and antibiotic therapy have been widely employed for the treatment of hvKP infections. Additionally, phage therapy is a promising alternative approach due to escalating antibiotic resistance. In summary, this narrative review highlights the latest research progress in the development, virulence factors, identification, epidemiology of hvKP, and treatment options available for hvKP infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhong Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiayao Yao
- Centre of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jintao He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Haiyang Liu
- Centre of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dongdong Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiucheng Shi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junxin Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huangdu Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Centre for General Practice Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peng Lan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology and Bioinformatics of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Regional Medical Center for National Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Sir Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hua Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Xi Li
- Centre of Laboratory Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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22
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Getz LJ, Maxwell KL. Diverse Antiphage Defenses Are Widespread Among Prophages and Mobile Genetic Elements. Annu Rev Virol 2024; 11:343-362. [PMID: 38950439 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-100422-125123] [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] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial viruses known as phages rely on their hosts for replication and thus have developed an intimate partnership over evolutionary time. The survival of temperate phages, which can establish a chronic infection in which their genomes are maintained in a quiescent state known as a prophage, is tightly coupled with the survival of their bacterial hosts. As a result, prophages encode a diverse antiphage defense arsenal to protect themselves and the bacterial host in which they reside from further phage infection. Similarly, the survival and success of prophage-related elements such as phage-inducible chromosomal islands are directly tied to the survival and success of their bacterial host, and they also have been shown to encode numerous antiphage defenses. Here, we describe the current knowledge of antiphage defenses encoded by prophages and prophage-related mobile genetic elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon J Getz
- Department of Biochemistry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
| | - Karen L Maxwell
- Department of Biochemistry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada;
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23
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Ikpe F, Williams T, Orok E, Ikpe A. Antimicrobial resistance: use of phage therapy in the management of resistant infections. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:925. [PMID: 39167154 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09870-2] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The emergence and increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is now widely recognized as a major public health challenge. Traditional antimicrobial drugs are becoming increasingly ineffective, while the development of new antibiotics is waning. As a result, alternative treatments for infections are garnering increased interest. Among these alternatives, bacteriophages, also known as phages, are gaining renewed attention and are reported to offer a promising solution to alleviate the burden of bacterial infections. This review discusses the current successes of phage therapy (PT) against multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), such as Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter spp. The review also compares the efficacy of PT with that of chemical antibiotics, reporting on its benefits and limitations, while highlighting its impact on the human gut microbiome and immune system. Despite its potential, phage therapy is reported to face challenges such as the narrow antibacterial range, the complexity of developing phage cocktails, and the need for precise dosing and duration protocols. Nevertheless, continued research, improved regulatory frameworks, and increased public awareness are essential to realize its full potential and integration into standard medical practice, paving the way for innovative treatments that can effectively manage infections in an era of rising antimicrobial resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Favour Ikpe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Tonfamoworio Williams
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
| | - Edidiong Orok
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Public Health, College of Pharmacy, Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria.
| | - Augustine Ikpe
- Department of Sciences, Champion Group of Schools, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria
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24
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Sevilla-Navarro S, Otero J, López-Pérez J, Torres-Boncompte J, Prucha T, De Gussem M, Silva D, Burgan J, Catalá-Gregori P, Cortés P, Llagostera M. Limited Emergence of Salmonella enterica Serovar Infantis Variants with Reduced Phage Susceptibility in PhagoVet-Treated Broilers. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2352. [PMID: 39199885 PMCID: PMC11350853 DOI: 10.3390/ani14162352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2024] [Revised: 08/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Salmonella enterica serovar Infantis (S. Infantis) poses a growing issue in the poultry sector, with phage-based products emerging as a safe and effective control measure. This study investigated the emergence of reduced-phage-susceptibility variants (RPSV) of S. Infantis in PhagoVet-treated broilers, given that RPSV could undermine phage treatment efficacy. The bacteriophages in the PhagoVet product were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), genome sequencing, and infection profiling. Furthermore, two broiler trials were conducted: a challenge group (T1) and a challenge-and-treated group (T2). The S. Infantis infective dose was set at 104 and 106 colony-forming units (CFUs) per animal, with PhagoVet administration at 106 and 108 plaque-forming units (PFUs) per animal, in Trials 1 and 2, respectively. The results revealed that the four PhagoVet bacteriophages belonged to different genera. PhagoVet evidenced broad-spectrum efficacy against 271 strains representing 18 Salmonella serovars. In Trial 1, PhagoVet reduced bacterial counts in feces to nearly undetectable levels by day 42, with no RPSV detected. However, in Trial 2, three and five RPSVs were detected in feces and ceca, respectively. Consequently, PhagoVet demonstrated efficacy against S. Infantis in broilers, and the potential impact of RPSV is deemed unlikely to compromise its efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sevilla-Navarro
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), 12539 Alquerias NP, Castellón, Spain; (S.S.-N.); (J.T.-B.); (P.C.-G.)
| | - Jennifer Otero
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (J.L.-P.); (M.L.)
| | - Júlia López-Pérez
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (J.L.-P.); (M.L.)
| | - Jan Torres-Boncompte
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), 12539 Alquerias NP, Castellón, Spain; (S.S.-N.); (J.T.-B.); (P.C.-G.)
| | - Tiago Prucha
- VETWORKS BVBA, Knokstraat 38, 9880 Poeke, Belgium; (T.P.); (M.D.G.)
| | | | - Daniela Silva
- ALS Life Sciences Portugal, Zona Industrial de Tondela ZIM II lote 6, 3460-070 Tondela, Portugal; (D.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Julia Burgan
- ALS Life Sciences Portugal, Zona Industrial de Tondela ZIM II lote 6, 3460-070 Tondela, Portugal; (D.S.); (J.B.)
| | - Pablo Catalá-Gregori
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), 12539 Alquerias NP, Castellón, Spain; (S.S.-N.); (J.T.-B.); (P.C.-G.)
| | - Pilar Cortés
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (J.L.-P.); (M.L.)
| | - Montserrat Llagostera
- Molecular Microbiology Group, Departament de Genètica i de Microbiologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Cerdanyola del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain; (J.O.); (J.L.-P.); (M.L.)
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25
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Soro O, Kigen C, Nyerere A, Gachoya M, Georges M, Odoyo E, Musila L. Characterization and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Lytic Enterococcus Phage vB_Efs8_KEN04 against Clinical Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis in Kenya. Viruses 2024; 16:1275. [PMID: 39205249 PMCID: PMC11360260 DOI: 10.3390/v16081275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is a growing cause of nosocomial and antibiotic-resistant infections. Treating drug-resistant E. faecalis requires novel approaches. The use of bacteriophages (phages) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has recently garnered global attention. Biofilms play a vital role in E. faecalis pathogenesis as they enhance antibiotic resistance. Phages eliminate biofilms by producing lytic enzymes, including depolymerases. In this study, Enterococcus phage vB_Efs8_KEN04, isolated from a sewage treatment plant in Nairobi, Kenya, was tested against clinical strains of MDR E. faecalis. This phage had a broad host range against 100% (26/26) of MDR E. faecalis clinical isolates and cross-species activity against Enterococcus faecium. It was able to withstand acidic and alkaline conditions, from pH 3 to 11, as well as temperatures between -80 °C and 37 °C. It could inhibit and disrupt the biofilms of MDR E. faecalis. Its linear double-stranded DNA genome of 142,402 bp contains 238 coding sequences with a G + C content and coding gene density of 36.01% and 91.46%, respectively. Genomic analyses showed that phage vB_Efs8_KEN04 belongs to the genus Kochikohdavirus in the family Herelleviridae. It lacked antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and lysogeny genes, and its stability, broad host range, and cross-species lysis indicate strong potential for the treatment of Enterococcus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oumarou Soro
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Pan African University Institute for Basic Sciences, Technology, and Innovation, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
| | - Collins Kigen
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Africa, Nairobi P.O. Box 606-00621, Kenya; (C.K.); (M.G.); (M.G.); (E.O.)
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840-00200, Kenya
| | - Andrew Nyerere
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Nairobi P.O. Box 62000-00200, Kenya;
| | - Moses Gachoya
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Africa, Nairobi P.O. Box 606-00621, Kenya; (C.K.); (M.G.); (M.G.); (E.O.)
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840-00200, Kenya
| | - Martin Georges
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Africa, Nairobi P.O. Box 606-00621, Kenya; (C.K.); (M.G.); (M.G.); (E.O.)
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840-00200, Kenya
| | - Erick Odoyo
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Africa, Nairobi P.O. Box 606-00621, Kenya; (C.K.); (M.G.); (M.G.); (E.O.)
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840-00200, Kenya
| | - Lillian Musila
- Department of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research-Africa, Nairobi P.O. Box 606-00621, Kenya; (C.K.); (M.G.); (M.G.); (E.O.)
- Center for Microbiology Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi P.O. Box 54840-00200, Kenya
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26
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Meidaninikjeh S, Mohammadi P, Elikaei A. Bacteriophages and bacterial extracellular vesicles, threat or opportunity? Life Sci 2024; 350:122749. [PMID: 38821215 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122749] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
Emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (AMR) is one of the health major problems worldwide. The scientists are looking for a novel method to treat infectious diseases. Phage therapy is considered a suitable approach for treating infectious diseases. However, there are different challenges in this way. Some biological aspects can probably influence on therapeutic results and further investigations are necessary to reach a successful phage therapy. Bacteriophage activity can influence by bacterial defense system. Bacterial extracellular vesicles (BEVs) are one of the bacterial defense mechanisms which can modify the results of bacteriophage activity. BEVs have the significant roles in the gene transferring, invasion, escape, and spreading of bacteriophages. In this review, the defense mechanisms of bacteria against bacteriophages, especially BEVs secretion, the hidden linkage of BEVs and bacteriophages, and its possible consequences on the bacteriophage activity as well phage therapy will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Meidaninikjeh
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Parisa Mohammadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ameneh Elikaei
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran; Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Microbial Biotechnology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
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27
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Yang S, Meng X, Zhen Y, Baima Q, Wang Y, Jiang X, Xu Z. Strategies and mechanisms targeting Enterococcus faecalis biofilms associated with endodontic infections: a comprehensive review. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2024; 14:1433313. [PMID: 39091674 PMCID: PMC11291369 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1433313] [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: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is one of the main microorganisms that infects root canals, ranking among the most prevalent microorganisms associated with endodontic treatment failure. Given its pervasive presence in persistent endodontic infections, the successful elimination of Enterococcus faecalis is crucial for effective endodontic treatment and retreatment. Furthermore, Enterococcus faecalis can form biofilms - defense structures that microbes use to fight environmental threats. These biofilms confer resistance against host immune system attacks and antibiotic interventions. Consequently, the presence of biofilms poses a significant challenge in the complete eradication of Enterococcus faecalis and its associated disease. In response, numerous scholars have discovered promising outcomes in addressing Enterococcus faecalis biofilms within root canals and undertaken endeavors to explore more efficacious approaches in combating these biofilms. This study provides a comprehensive review of strategies and mechanisms for the removal of Enterococcus faecalis biofilms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shipeng Yang
- Department of Endodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiuping Meng
- Department of Endodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuqi Zhen
- Department of Endodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Quzhen Baima
- Department of Endodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Dental Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinmiao Jiang
- Department of Endodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhibo Xu
- Department of Endodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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28
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Ristori MV, Guarrasi V, Soda P, Petrosillo N, Gurrieri F, Longo UG, Ciccozzi M, Riva E, Angeletti S. Emerging Microorganisms and Infectious Diseases: One Health Approach for Health Shared Vision. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:908. [PMID: 39062687 PMCID: PMC11275270 DOI: 10.3390/genes15070908] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) are newly emerging and reemerging infectious diseases. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases identifies the following as emerging infectious diseases: SARS, MERS, COVID-19, influenza, fungal diseases, plague, schistosomiasis, smallpox, tick-borne diseases, and West Nile fever. The factors that should be taken into consideration are the genetic adaptation of microbial agents and the characteristics of the human host or environment. The new approach to identifying new possible pathogens will have to go through the One Health approach and omics integration data, which are capable of identifying high-priority microorganisms in a short period of time. New bioinformatics technologies enable global integration and sharing of surveillance data for rapid public health decision-making to detect and prevent epidemics and pandemics, ensuring timely response and effective prevention measures. Machine learning tools are being more frequently utilized in the realm of infectious diseases to predict sepsis in patients, diagnose infectious diseases early, and forecast the effectiveness of treatment or the appropriate choice of antibiotic regimen based on clinical data. We will discuss emerging microorganisms, omics techniques applied to infectious diseases, new computational solutions to evaluate biomarkers, and innovative tools that are useful for integrating omics data and electronic medical records data for the clinical management of emerging infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Ristori
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
| | - Valerio Guarrasi
- Unit of Computer Systems and Bioinformatics, Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.G.); (P.S.)
| | - Paolo Soda
- Unit of Computer Systems and Bioinformatics, Department of Engineering, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (V.G.); (P.S.)
- Department of Diagnostic and Intervention, Radiation Physics, Biomedical Engineering, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Nicola Petrosillo
- Infection Prevention Control/Infectious Disease Service, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy;
| | - Fiorella Gurrieri
- Operative Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Research Unit of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Umile Giuseppe Longo
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy;
- Research Unit of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ciccozzi
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
- Unit of Medical Statistics and Molecular Epidemiology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Riva
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
- Unit of Virology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Angeletti
- Operative Research Unit of Laboratory, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.V.R.); (M.C.); (E.R.)
- Research Unit of Clinical Laboratory Science, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 21, 00128 Rome, Italy
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29
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Ho P, Dam LC, Koh WRR, Nai RS, Nah QH, Rajaie Fizla FBM, Chan CC, Aung TT, Goh SG, Fang Y, Lim Z, Koh MG, Demott M, Boucher YF, Malleret B, Gin KYH, Dedon P, Moreira W. Screening of the PA14NR Transposon Mutant Library Identifies Genes Involved in Resistance to Bacteriophage Infection in Pseudomomas aeruginosa. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7009. [PMID: 39000118 PMCID: PMC11241198 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections pose a serious public health threat due to the rise in antimicrobial resistance. Phage therapy has emerged as a promising alternative. However, P. aeruginosa has evolved various mechanisms to thwart phage attacks, making it crucial to decipher these resistance mechanisms to develop effective therapeutic strategies. In this study, we conducted a forward-genetic screen of the P. aeruginosa PA14 non-redundant transposon library (PA14NR) to identify dominant-negative mutants displaying phage-resistant phenotypes. Our screening process revealed 78 mutants capable of thriving in the presence of phages, with 23 of them carrying insertions in genes associated with membrane composition. Six mutants exhibited total resistance to phage infection. Transposon insertions were found in genes known to be linked to phage-resistance such as galU and a glycosyl transferase gene, as well as novel genes such as mexB, lasB, and two hypothetical proteins. Functional experiments demonstrated that these genes played pivotal roles in phage adsorption and biofilm formation, indicating that altering the bacterial membrane composition commonly leads to phage resistance in P. aeruginosa. Importantly, these mutants displayed phenotypic trade-offs, as their resistance to phages inversely affected antibiotic resistance and hindered biofilm formation, shedding light on the complex interplay between phage susceptibility and bacterial fitness. This study highlights the potential of transposon mutant libraries and forward-genetic screens in identifying key genes involved in phage-host interactions and resistance mechanisms. These findings support the development of innovative strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiying Ho
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Linh Chi Dam
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
- Signature Research Program in Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Wei Ren Ryanna Koh
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore
| | - Rui Si Nai
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Qian Hui Nah
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Faeqa Binte Muhammad Rajaie Fizla
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
| | - Chia Ching Chan
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
- Thrixen Pte Ltd., Singapore 048619, Singapore
| | - Thet Tun Aung
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore; (T.T.A.); (Z.L.); (M.G.K.); (B.M.)
| | - Shin Giek Goh
- Energy & Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities (E2S2) Program, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore; (S.G.G.); (K.Y.-H.G.)
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - You Fang
- Energy & Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities (E2S2) Program, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore; (S.G.G.); (K.Y.-H.G.)
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Zhining Lim
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore; (T.T.A.); (Z.L.); (M.G.K.); (B.M.)
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering (SCELSE), Singapore 637551, Singapore;
| | - Ming Guang Koh
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore; (T.T.A.); (Z.L.); (M.G.K.); (B.M.)
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering (SCELSE), Singapore 637551, Singapore;
| | - Michael Demott
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Yann Felix Boucher
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering (SCELSE), Singapore 637551, Singapore;
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117549, Singapore
| | - Benoit Malleret
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore; (T.T.A.); (Z.L.); (M.G.K.); (B.M.)
| | - Karina Yew-Hoong Gin
- Energy & Environmental Sustainability Solutions for Megacities (E2S2) Program, Campus for Research Excellence and Technological Enterprise (CREATE), Singapore 117576, Singapore; (S.G.G.); (K.Y.-H.G.)
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
- Environmental Research Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Peter Dedon
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA;
| | - Wilfried Moreira
- Antimicrobial Resistance Interdisciplinary Research Group (AMR IRG), Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) Centre, Singapore 117576, Singapore; (P.H.); (L.C.D.); (W.R.R.K.); (Q.H.N.); (F.B.M.R.F.); (C.C.C.); (P.D.)
- Immunology Translational Research Programme, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore; (T.T.A.); (Z.L.); (M.G.K.); (B.M.)
- Singapore Centre for Environmental Life Science Engineering (SCELSE), Singapore 637551, Singapore;
- Life Science Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117456, Singapore
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Vukovic D, Gostimirovic S, Cvetanovic J, Gavric D, Aleksic Sabo V, Todorovic D, Medic D, Knezevic P. Antibacterial Potential of Non-Tailed Icosahedral Phages Alone and in Combination with Antibiotics. Curr Microbiol 2024; 81:215. [PMID: 38849666 DOI: 10.1007/s00284-024-03705-w] [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: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Non-tailed icosahedral phages belonging to families Fiersviridae (phages MS2 and Qbeta), Tectiviridae (PRD1) and Microviridae (phiX174) have not been considered in detail so far as potential antibacterial agents. The aim of the study was to examine various aspects of the applicability of these phages as antibacterial agents. Antibacterial potential of four phages was investigated via bacterial growth and biofilm formation inhibition, lytic spectra determination, and phage safety examination. The phage phiX174 was combined with different classes of antibiotics to evaluate potential synergistic interactions. In addition, the incidence of phiX174-insensitive mutants was analyzed. The results showed that only phiX174 out of four phages tested against their corresponding hosts inhibited bacterial growth for > 90% at different multiplicity of infection and that only this phage considerably prevented biofilm formation. Although all phages show the absence of potentially undesirable genes, they also have extremely narrow lytic spectra. The synergism was determined between phage phiX174 and ceftazidime, ceftriaxone, ciprofloxacin, macrolides, and chloramphenicol. It was shown that the simultaneous application of agents is more effective than successive treatment, where one agent is applied first. The analysis of the appearance of phiX174 bacteriophage-insensitive mutants showed that mutations occur with a frequency of 10-3. The examined non-tailed phages have a limited potential for use as antibacterial agents, primarily due to a very narrow lytic spectrum and the high frequency of resistant mutants appearance, but Microviridae can be considered in the future as biocontrol agents against susceptible strains of E. coli in combinations with conventional antimicrobial agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darija Vukovic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Sonja Gostimirovic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jelena Cvetanovic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Damir Gavric
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Verica Aleksic Sabo
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | | | - Deana Medic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Petar Knezevic
- Department of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.
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31
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Tang M, Yao Z, Liu Y, Ma Z, Zhao D, Mao Z, Wang Y, Chen L, Zhou T. Host immunity involvement in the outcome of phage therapy against hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae infections. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0142923. [PMID: 38742895 PMCID: PMC11620495 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01429-23] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Highly encapsulated hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) causes severe infections. Bacteriophage therapy, an antibiotic alternative, effectively treats bacterial infections. Phage φFK1979 encoding polysaccharide depolymerases can target and disarm the capsule of hvKp FK1979, showing promise against FK1979 infection. Resistant strains induced by φFK1979 are possibly eliminated by host immunity and new phage phiR3 targeting them. We constructed varied immunocompromised FK1979 infection mouse models to assess the therapy efficacy of φFK1979 alone or in combination with phiR3. Survival rates, bacterial loads, histopathology, inflammation, and immune cell distribution of mice were studied. Prompt and adequate administration of φFK1979, rather than phiR3, significantly improved survival rates in mice with different immune statuses. However, immunocompromised mice showed lower efficacy due to reduced tolerance to low-virulence φFK1979-resistant bacteria compared to immunocompetent mice. Adding phiR3 sequentially greatly enhanced therapy efficacy for them, leading to increased survival rates and notable improvements in pathology and inflammation. Immunocompetent mice exhibited the most favorable response to φFK1979 monotherapy, as their immune system cleared φFK1979-resistant bacteria while avoiding a robust response to phiR3 combating φFK1979-resistant bacteria. This study revealed host immunity involvement in the outcome of phage therapy against infections and introduced, for the first time, personalized phage therapy strategies for hvKp-infected mice with varying immune statuses.IMPORTANCEHypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp), with high capsular polysaccharide production, can cause severe invasive infections. Capsule-targeting phage poses the potential to fight against hvKp. We previously elucidated that the capsule-targeting phage induces resistance in hvKp, while phage-resistant strains exhibit sensitivity to host innate immunity and new phages targeting them. This indicated that phage-resistant strains can be eliminated by the immune system in immunocompetent patients, whereas they may require treatment with phages targeting resistant bacteria in immunocompromised patients. HvKp can infect individuals with varying immune statuses, including both immunocompetent and immunocompromised/deficient patients. This study, for the first time, developed personalized phage therapy strategies for hvKp-infected mice with different immune statuses, optimizing phage therapy against hvKp infections. This research is expected to provide a theoretical foundation and novel insights for clinical phage therapy against hvKp infections, offering significant societal benefits and clinical value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuocheng Yao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhexiao Ma
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Deyi Zhao
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenzhi Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tieli Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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32
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Juliet R, Loganathan A, Neeravi A, Bakthavatchalam YD, Veeraraghavan B, Manohar P, Nachimuthu R. Characterization of Salmonella phage of the genus Kayfunavirus isolated from sewage infecting clinical strains of Salmonella enterica. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1391777. [PMID: 38887719 PMCID: PMC11180730 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1391777] [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: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of multi-drug resistance in Salmonella, causing food-borne infections, is a significant issue. With over 2,600 serovars in in Salmonella sp., it is crucial to identify specific solutions for each serovar. Phage therapy serves as an alternate treatment option. In this study, vB_SalP_792 phage was obtained from sewage, forming plaques in eight out of 13 tested clinical S. enterica isolates. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination revealed a T7-like morphotype. The phage was characterized by its stability, life cycle, antibiofilm, and lytic ability in food sources. The phage remains stable throughout a range of temperatures (-20 to 70°C), pH levels (3-11), and in chloroform and ether. It also exhibited lytic activity within a range of MOIs from 0.0001 to 100. The life cycle revealed that 95% of the phages attached to their host within 3 min, followed by a 5-min latent period, resulting in a 50 PFU/cell burst size. The vB_SalP_792 phage genome has a dsDNA with a length of 37,281 bp and a GC content of 51%. There are 42 coding sequences (CDS), with 24 having putative functions and no resistance or virulence-related genes. The vB_SalP_792 phage significantly reduced the bacterial load in the established biofilms and also in egg whites. Thus, vB_SalP_792 phage can serve as an effective biocontrol agent for preventing Salmonella infections in food, and its potent lytic activity against the clinical isolates of S. enterica, sets out vB_SalP_792 phage as a successful candidate for future in vivo studies and therapeutical application against drug-resistant Salmonella infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Juliet
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Archana Loganathan
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Ayyanraj Neeravi
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| | | | | | - Prasanth Manohar
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M AgriLife Research, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Ramesh Nachimuthu
- School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
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Ridgway R, Lu H, Blower TR, Evans NJ, Ainsworth S. Genomic and taxonomic evaluation of 38 Treponema prophage sequences. BMC Genomics 2024; 25:549. [PMID: 38824509 PMCID: PMC11144348 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-024-10461-5] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite Spirochetales being a ubiquitous and medically important order of bacteria infecting both humans and animals, there is extremely limited information regarding their bacteriophages. Of the genus Treponema, there is just a single reported characterised prophage. RESULTS We applied a bioinformatic approach on 24 previously published Treponema genomes to identify and characterise putative treponemal prophages. Thirteen of the genomes did not contain any detectable prophage regions. The remaining eleven contained 38 prophage sequences, with between one and eight putative prophages in each bacterial genome. The prophage regions ranged from 12.4 to 75.1 kb, with between 27 and 171 protein coding sequences. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that 24 of the prophages formed three distinct sequence clusters, identifying putative myoviral and siphoviral morphology. ViPTree analysis demonstrated that the identified sequences were novel when compared to known double stranded DNA bacteriophage genomes. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we have started to address the knowledge gap on treponeme bacteriophages by characterising 38 prophage sequences in 24 treponeme genomes. Using bioinformatic approaches, we have been able to identify and compare the prophage-like elements with respect to other bacteriophages, their gene content, and their potential to be a functional and inducible bacteriophage, which in turn can help focus our attention on specific prophages to investigate further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ridgway
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK.
| | - Hanshuo Lu
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Biosciences Building, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7BE, UK
| | - Tim R Blower
- Department of Biosciences, Durham University, Stockton Road, Durham, DH1 3LE, UK
| | - Nicholas James Evans
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Leahurst Campus, Chester High Road, Neston, Cheshire, CH64 7TE, UK
| | - Stuart Ainsworth
- Department of Infection Biology and Microbiomes, University of Liverpool, Liverpool Science Park IC2, 146 Brownlow Hill, Liverpool, L3 5RF, UK
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Bloch S, Wegrzyn A. Editorial: Bacteriophage and host interactions. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1422076. [PMID: 38881653 PMCID: PMC11177086 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1422076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Bloch
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Alicja Wegrzyn
- University Center for Applied and Interdisciplinary Research, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
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35
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Shymialevich D, Błażejak S, Średnicka P, Cieślak H, Ostrowska A, Sokołowska B, Wójcicki M. Biological Characterization and Genomic Analysis of Three Novel Serratia- and Enterobacter-Specific Virulent Phages. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5944. [PMID: 38892136 PMCID: PMC11172527 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115944] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the high microbiological contamination of raw food materials and the increase in the incidence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, new methods of ensuring microbiological food safety are being sought. One solution may be to use bacteriophages (so-called phages) as natural bacterial enemies. Therefore, the aim of this study was the biological and genomic characterization of three newly isolated Serratia- and Enterobacter-specific virulent bacteriophages as potential candidates for food biocontrol. Serratia phage KKP_3708 (vB_Sli-IAFB_3708), Serratia phage KKP_3709 (vB_Sma-IAFB_3709), and Enterobacter phage KKP_3711 (vB_Ecl-IAFB_3711) were isolated from municipal sewage against Serratia liquefaciens strain KKP 3654, Serratia marcescens strain KKP 3687, and Enterobacter cloacae strain KKP 3684, respectively. The effect of phage addition at different multiplicity of infection (MOI) rates on the growth kinetics of the bacterial hosts was determined using a Bioscreen C Pro growth analyzer. The phages retained high activity in a wide temperature range (from -20 °C to 60 °C) and active acidity values (pH from 3 to 12). Based on transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), the isolated bacteriophages belong to the tailed bacteriophages from the Caudoviricetes class. Genomic analysis revealed that the phages have linear double-stranded DNA of size 40,461 bp (Serratia phage KKP_3708), 67,890 bp (Serratia phage KKP_3709), and 113,711 bp (Enterobacter phage KKP_3711). No virulence, toxins, or antibiotic resistance genes were detected in the phage genomes. The lack of lysogenic markers indicates that all three bacteriophages may be potential candidates for food biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dziyana Shymialevich
- Culture Collection of Industrial Microorganisms—Microbiological Resources Center, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (D.S.); (H.C.)
| | - Stanisław Błażejak
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Institute of Food Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), Nowoursynowska 166 Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Paulina Średnicka
- Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Hanna Cieślak
- Culture Collection of Industrial Microorganisms—Microbiological Resources Center, Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland; (D.S.); (H.C.)
| | - Agnieszka Ostrowska
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biology, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS–SGGW), Ciszewskiego 8 Str., 02-786 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Barbara Sokołowska
- Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Michał Wójcicki
- Department of Microbiology, Prof. Wacław Dąbrowski Institute of Agricultural and Food Biotechnology—State Research Institute, Rakowiecka 36 Str., 02-532 Warsaw, Poland;
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Naknaen A, Samernate T, Saeju P, Nonejuie P, Chaikeeratisak V. Nucleus-forming jumbophage PhiKZ therapeutically outcompetes non-nucleus-forming jumbophage Callisto. iScience 2024; 27:109790. [PMID: 38726363 PMCID: PMC11079468 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109790] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
With the recent resurgence of phage therapy in modern medicine, jumbophages are currently under the spotlight due to their numerous advantages as anti-infective agents. However, most significant discoveries to date have primarily focused on nucleus-forming jumbophages, not their non-nucleus-forming counterparts. In this study, we compare the biological characteristics exhibited by two genetically diverse jumbophages: 1) the well-studied nucleus-forming jumbophage, PhiKZ; and 2) the newly discovered non-nucleus-forming jumbophage, Callisto. Single-cell infection studies further show that Callisto possesses different replication machinery, resulting in a delay in phage maturation compared to that of PhiKZ. The therapeutic potency of both phages was examined in vitro and in vivo, demonstrating that PhiKZ holds certain superior characteristics over Callisto. This research sheds light on the importance of the subcellular infection machinery and the organized progeny maturation process, which could potentially provide valuable insight in the future development of jumbophage-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ampapan Naknaen
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanadon Samernate
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Panida Saeju
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Poochit Nonejuie
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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37
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Ralhan K, Iyer KA, Diaz LL, Bird R, Maind A, Zhou QA. Navigating Antibacterial Frontiers: A Panoramic Exploration of Antibacterial Landscapes, Resistance Mechanisms, and Emerging Therapeutic Strategies. ACS Infect Dis 2024; 10:1483-1519. [PMID: 38691668 PMCID: PMC11091902 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.4c00115] [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: 02/10/2024] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The development of effective antibacterial solutions has become paramount in maintaining global health in this era of increasing bacterial threats and rampant antibiotic resistance. Traditional antibiotics have played a significant role in combating bacterial infections throughout history. However, the emergence of novel resistant strains necessitates constant innovation in antibacterial research. We have analyzed the data on antibacterials from the CAS Content Collection, the largest human-curated collection of published scientific knowledge, which has proven valuable for quantitative analysis of global scientific knowledge. Our analysis focuses on mining the CAS Content Collection data for recent publications (since 2012). This article aims to explore the intricate landscape of antibacterial research while reviewing the advancement from traditional antibiotics to novel and emerging antibacterial strategies. By delving into the resistance mechanisms, this paper highlights the need to find alternate strategies to address the growing concern.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leilani Lotti Diaz
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Robert Bird
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Ankush Maind
- ACS
International India Pvt. Ltd., Pune 411044, India
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38
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Antoine C, Laforêt F, Fall A, Blasdel B, Delcenserie V, Thiry D. K1 capsule-dependent phage-driven evolution in Escherichia coli leading to phage resistance and biofilm production. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae109. [PMID: 38688866 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae109] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Understanding bacterial phage resistance mechanisms has implications for developing phage-based therapies. This study aimed to explore the development of phage resistance in Escherichia coli K1 isolates' to K1-ULINTec4, a K1-dependent bacteriophage. METHODS AND RESULTS Resistant colonies were isolated from two different strains (APEC 45 and C5), both previously exposed to K1-ULINTec4. Genome analysis and several parameters were assessed, including growth capacity, phage adsorption, phenotypic impact at capsular level, biofilm production, and virulence in the in vivo Galleria mellonella larvae model. One out of the six resistant isolates exhibited a significantly slower growth rate, suggesting the presence of a resistance mechanism altering its fitness. Comparative genomic analysis revealed insertion sequences in the region 2 of the kps gene cluster involved in the capsule biosynthesis. In addition, an immunoassay targeting the K1 capsule showed a very low positive reaction compared to the control. Nevertheless, microscopic images of resistant strains revealed the presence of capsules with a clustered organization of bacterial cells and biofilm assessment showed an increased biofilm production compared to the sensitive strains. In the G. mellonella model, larvae infected with phage-resistant isolates showed better survival rates than larvae infected with phage-sensitive strains. CONCLUSIONS A phage resistance mechanism was identified at the genomic level and had a negative impact on the K1 capsule production. The resistant isolates showed an increased biofilm production and a decreased virulence in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Antoine
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary bacteriology, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Fanny Laforêt
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary bacteriology, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
- Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Bob Blasdel
- Vésale Bioscience, Vésale Pharmaceutica, 5310 Noville-sur-Mehaigne, Belgium
| | - Véronique Delcenserie
- Food Science Department, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Damien Thiry
- Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Veterinary bacteriology, FARAH and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, ULiège, 4000 Liège, Belgium
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Manley R, Fitch C, Francis V, Temperton I, Turner D, Fletcher J, Phil M, Michell S, Temperton B. Resistance to bacteriophage incurs a cost to virulence in drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73:001829. [PMID: 38743467 PMCID: PMC11170128 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001829] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction . Acinetobacter baumannii is a critical priority pathogen for novel antimicrobials (World Health Organization) because of the rise in nosocomial infections and its ability to evolve resistance to last resort antibiotics. A. baumannii is thus a priority target for phage therapeutics. Two strains of a novel, virulent bacteriophage (LemonAid and Tonic) able to infect carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (strain NCTC 13420), were isolated from environmental water samples collected through a citizen science programme.Gap statement. Phage-host coevolution can lead to emergence of host resistance, with a concomitant reduction in the virulence of host bacteria; a potential benefit to phage therapy applications.Methodology. In vitro and in vivo assays, genomics and microscopy techniques were used to characterize the phages; determine mechanisms and impact of phage resistance on host virulence, and the efficacy of the phages against A. baumannii.Results. A. baumannii developed resistance to both viruses, LemonAid and Tonic. Resistance came at a cost to virulence, with the resistant variants causing significantly reduced mortality in a Galleria mellonella larval in vivo model. A replicated 8 bp insertion increased in frequency (~40 % higher frequency than in the wild-type) within phage-resistant A. baumannii mutants, putatively resulting in early truncation of a protein of unknown function. Evidence from comparative genomics and an adsorption assay suggests this protein acts as a novel phage receptor site in A. baumannii. We find no evidence linking resistance to changes in capsule structure, a known virulence factor. LemonAid efficiently suppressed growth of A. baumanni in vitro across a wide range of titres. However, in vivo, while survival of A. baumannii infected larvae significantly increased with both remedial and prophylactic treatment with LemonAid (107 p.f.u. ml-1), the effect was weak and not sufficient to save larvae from morbidity and mortality.Conclusion. While LemonAid and Tonic did not prove effective as a treatment in a Galleria larvae model, there is potential to harness their ability to attenuate virulence in drug-resistant A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Manley
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Christian Fitch
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Vanessa Francis
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Isaac Temperton
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Dann Turner
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Julie Fletcher
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Mitchelmore Phil
- University of Exeter, College of Medicine and Health, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Steve Michell
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ben Temperton
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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MacNair CR, Rutherford ST, Tan MW. Alternative therapeutic strategies to treat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Nat Rev Microbiol 2024; 22:262-275. [PMID: 38082064 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00993-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Resistance threatens to render antibiotics - which are essential for modern medicine - ineffective, thus posing a threat to human health. The discovery of novel classes of antibiotics able to overcome resistance has been stalled for decades, with the developmental pipeline relying almost entirely on variations of existing chemical scaffolds. Unfortunately, this approach has been unable to keep pace with resistance evolution, necessitating new therapeutic strategies. In this Review, we highlight recent efforts to discover non-traditional antimicrobials, specifically describing the advantages and limitations of antimicrobial peptides and macrocycles, antibodies, bacteriophages and antisense oligonucleotides. These approaches have the potential to stem the tide of resistance by expanding the physicochemical property space and target spectrum occupied by currently approved antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig R MacNair
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steven T Rutherford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Man-Wah Tan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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Gucwa K, Wons E, Wisniewska A, Jakalski M, Dubiak Z, Kozlowski LP, Mruk I. Lethal perturbation of an Escherichia coli regulatory network is triggered by a restriction-modification system's regulator and can be mitigated by excision of the cryptic prophage Rac. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:2942-2960. [PMID: 38153127 PMCID: PMC11014345 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1234] [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: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial gene regulatory networks orchestrate responses to environmental challenges. Horizontal gene transfer can bring in genes with regulatory potential, such as new transcription factors (TFs), and this can disrupt existing networks. Serious regulatory perturbations may even result in cell death. Here, we show the impact on Escherichia coli of importing a promiscuous TF that has adventitious transcriptional effects within the cryptic Rac prophage. A cascade of regulatory network perturbations occurred on a global level. The TF, a C regulatory protein, normally controls a Type II restriction-modification system, but in E. coli K-12 interferes with expression of the RacR repressor gene, resulting in de-repression of the normally-silent Rac ydaT gene. YdaT is a prophage-encoded TF with pleiotropic effects on E. coli physiology. In turn, YdaT alters expression of a variety of bacterial regulons normally controlled by the RcsA TF, resulting in deficient lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and cell division. At the same time, insufficient RacR repressor results in Rac DNA excision, halting Rac gene expression due to loss of the replication-defective Rac prophage. Overall, Rac induction appears to counteract the lethal toxicity of YdaT. We show here that E. coli rewires its regulatory network, so as to minimize the adverse regulatory effects of the imported C TF. This complex set of interactions may reflect the ability of bacteria to protect themselves by having robust mechanisms to maintain their regulatory networks, and/or suggest that regulatory C proteins from mobile operons are under selection to manipulate their host's regulatory networks for their own benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Gucwa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Ewa Wons
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wisniewska
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Marcin Jakalski
- 3P-Medicine Laboratory, Medical University of Gdansk, Debinki 7, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Zuzanna Dubiak
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
| | - Lukasz Pawel Kozlowski
- Institute of Informatics, Faculty of Mathematics, Informatics and Mechanics, University of Warsaw, Banacha 2, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Iwona Mruk
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 59, Gdansk 80-308, Poland
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O’Connor PBF, Mahony J, Casey E, Baranov PV, van Sinderen D, Yordanova MM. Ribosome profiling reveals downregulation of UMP biosynthesis as the major early response to phage infection. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0398923. [PMID: 38451091 PMCID: PMC10986495 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03989-23] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacteria have evolved diverse defense mechanisms to counter bacteriophage attacks. Genetic programs activated upon infection characterize phage-host molecular interactions and ultimately determine the outcome of the infection. In this study, we applied ribosome profiling to monitor protein synthesis during the early stages of sk1 bacteriophage infection in Lactococcus cremoris. Our analysis revealed major changes in gene expression within 5 minutes of sk1 infection. Notably, we observed a specific and severe downregulation of several pyr operons which encode enzymes required for uridine monophosphate biosynthesis. Consistent with previous findings, this is likely an attempt of the host to starve the phage of nucleotides it requires for propagation. We also observed a gene expression response that we expect to benefit the phage. This included the upregulation of 40 ribosome proteins that likely increased the host's translational capacity, concurrent with a downregulation of genes that promote translational fidelity (lepA and raiA). In addition to the characterization of host-phage gene expression responses, the obtained ribosome profiling data enabled us to identify two putative recoding events as well as dozens of loci currently annotated as pseudogenes that are actively translated. Furthermore, our study elucidated alterations in the dynamics of the translation process, as indicated by time-dependent changes in the metagene profile, suggesting global shifts in translation rates upon infection. Additionally, we observed consistent modifications in the ribosome profiles of individual genes, which were apparent as early as 2 minutes post-infection. The study emphasizes our ability to capture rapid alterations of gene expression during phage infection through ribosome profiling. IMPORTANCE The ribosome profiling technology has provided invaluable insights for understanding cellular translation and eukaryotic viral infections. However, its potential for investigating host-phage interactions remains largely untapped. Here, we applied ribosome profiling to Lactococcus cremoris cultures infected with sk1, a major infectious agent in dairy fermentation processes. This revealed a profound downregulation of genes involved in pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis at an early stage of phage infection, suggesting an anti-phage program aimed at restricting nucleotide availability and, consequently, phage propagation. This is consistent with recent findings and contributes to our growing appreciation for the role of nucleotide limitation as an anti-viral strategy. In addition to capturing rapid alterations in gene expression levels, we identified translation occurring outside annotated regions, as well as signatures of non-standard translation mechanisms. The gene profiles revealed specific changes in ribosomal densities upon infection, reflecting alterations in the dynamics of the translation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick B. F. O’Connor
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- EIRNA Bio, Bioinnovation Hub, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jennifer Mahony
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eoghan Casey
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Pavel V. Baranov
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Douwe van Sinderen
- School of Microbiology and APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Mulukutla A, Shreshtha R, Kumar Deb V, Chatterjee P, Jain U, Chauhan N. Recent advances in antimicrobial peptide-based therapy. Bioorg Chem 2024; 145:107151. [PMID: 38359706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2024.107151] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a group of polypeptide chains that have the property to target and kill a myriad of microbial organisms including viruses, bacteria, protists, etc. The first discovered AMP was named gramicidin, an extract of aerobic soil bacteria. Further studies discovered that these peptides are present not only in prokaryotes but in eukaryotes as well. They play a vital role in human innate immunity and wound repair. Consequently, they have maintained a high level of intrigue among scientists in the field of immunology, especially so with the rise of antibiotic-resistant pathogens decreasing the reliability of antibiotics in healthcare. While AMPs have promising potential to substitute for common antibiotics, their use as effective replacements is barred by certain limitations. First, they have the potential to be cytotoxic to human cells. Second, they are unstable in the blood due to action by various proteolytic agents and ions that cause their degradation. This review provides an overview of the mechanism of AMPs, their limitations, and developments in recent years that provide techniques to overcome those limitations. We also discuss the advantages and drawbacks of AMPs as a replacement for antibiotics as compared to other alternatives such as synthetically modified bacteriophages, traditional medicine, and probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditya Mulukutla
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Romi Shreshtha
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Vishal Kumar Deb
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Pallabi Chatterjee
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Utkarsh Jain
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Nidhi Chauhan
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, UPES, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India.
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O'Connell LM, Coffey A, O'Mahony JM. Genomic analysis of seven mycobacteriophages identifies three novel species with differing phenotypic stabilities. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27932. [PMID: 38515691 PMCID: PMC10955285 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27932] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, case studies have been published regarding the application of mycobacteriophage (MP) therapy (MPT) in patients with multi-antibiotic-resistant infections. A major limitation in the development of MPT is the paucity of therapeutically useful MP. As there are approximately 10,000 MP that have yet to be sequenced, it is possible that characterization of this cohort would increase the repertoire of useful MP. This study aims to contribute to such a strategy, by characterizing a cohort of 7 mycobacteriophages. Sequencing analyses revealed that the MP have unique sequences, and subsequent gene annotation revealed differences in gene organization. Notably, MP LOCARD has the largest genome and operons encoding for glycosyltransferases. Taxonomic analysis executed with VIRIDIC, Gegenees and VICTOR revealed that LOCARD belongs to a different genus than the other phages and is the foundational member of one of three novel species identified in this study. LOCARD, LOCV2, and LOCV5 were selected as representative members of their species and subjected to phenotypic analyses to compare their stability under biologically and industrially relevant conditions. Again LOCARD stood out, as it was unaffected by the typical temperatures (37 °C) and salinity (0.9%) experienced in mammals, while the viability of LOCV2 and LOCV5 was significantly reduced. LOCARD was also tolerant to pH 10, low levels of antiviral detergent and was the least impacted by a single freeze-thaw cycle. When all these results are considered, it indicates that LOCARD in particular, has potential therapeutic and/or diagnostics applications, given its resilience towards physiological and storage conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. O'Connell
- Munster Technological University, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
| | - Aidan Coffey
- Munster Technological University, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
| | - Jim M. O'Mahony
- Munster Technological University, Rossa Avenue, Bishopstown, Cork, T12 P928, Ireland
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Zhao J, Han M, Ma A, Jiang F, Chen R, Dong Y, Wang X, Ruan S, Chen Y. A machine vision-assisted Argonaute-mediated fluorescence biosensor for the detection of viable Salmonella in food without convoluted DNA extraction and amplification procedures. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2024; 466:133648. [PMID: 38306835 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2024.133648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The precise identification viable pathogens hold paramount significance in the prevention of foodborne diseases outbreaks. In this study, we integrated machine vision and learning with single microsphere to develop a phage and Clostridium butyricum Argonaute (CbAgo)-mediated fluorescence biosensor for detecting viable Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) without convoluted DNA extraction and amplification procedures. Phage and lysis buffer was utilized to capture and lyse viable S. typhimurium, respectively. Subsequently, CbAgo can cleave the bacterial DNA to obtain target DNA that guides a newly targeted cleavage of fluorescent probes. After that, the resulting fluorescent signal accumulates on the streptavidin-modified single microsphere. The overall detection process is then analyzed and interpreted by machine vision and learning algorithms, achieving highly sensitive detection of S. typhimurium with a limit of detection at 40.5 CFU/mL and a linear range of 50-107 CFU/mL. Furthermore, the proposed biosensor demonstrates standard recovery rates and coefficients of variation at 93.22% - 106.02% and 1.47% - 12.75%, respectively. This biosensor exhibits exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, presenting a promising method for the rapid and effective detection of foodborne pathogens. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATION: Bacterial pathogens exist widely in the environment and seriously threaten the safety of human life. In this study, we developed a phage and Clostridium butyricum Argonaute-mediated fluorescence biosensor for the detection of viable Salmonella typhimurium in environmental water and food samples. Compared with other Salmonella detection methods, this method does not need complex DNA extraction and amplification steps, which reduces the use of chemical reagents and experimental consumables in classic DNA extraction kit methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junpeng Zhao
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Minjie Han
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Aimin Ma
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Detection Technology of Focus Chemical Hazards in Animal-derived Food for State Market Regulation, Wuhan 430075, Hubei, China
| | - Rui Chen
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yongzhen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China
| | - Xufeng Wang
- College of Food Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Shizishan Street, Hongshan District, Wuhan 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Shilong Ruan
- Daye Public Inspection and Test Center, Daye 435100, Hubei, China
| | - Yiping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Food Processing and Safety Control, Dalian Polytechnic University, Dalian 116034, Liaoning, China.
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Wang M, Zhang J, Wei J, Jiang L, Jiang L, Sun Y, Zeng Z, Wang Z. Phage-inspired strategies to combat antibacterial resistance. Crit Rev Microbiol 2024; 50:196-211. [PMID: 38400715 DOI: 10.1080/1040841x.2023.2181056] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in clinically priority pathogensis now a major threat to public health worldwide. Phages are bacterial parasites that efficiently infect or kill specific strains and represent the most abundant biological entities on earth, showing great attraction as potential antibacterial therapeutics in combating AMR. This review provides a summary of phage-inspired strategies to combat AMR. We firstly cover the phage diversity, and then explain the biological principles of phage therapy that support the use of phages in the post-antimicrobial era. Furthermore, we state the versatility methods of phage therapy both from direct access as well as collateral access. Among the direct access approaches, we discuss the use of phage cocktail therapy, phage-encoded endolysins and the bioengineering for function improvement of used phages or endolysins. On the other hand, we introduce the collateral access, including the phages antimicrobial immunity combined therapy and phage-based novel antibacterial mimic molecules. Nowadays, more and more talented and enthusiastic scientist, doctors, pharmacists, media, authorities, and industry are promoting the progress of phage therapy, and proposed more phages-inspired strategy to make them more tractable to combat AMR and benefit more people, more animal and diverse environment in "one health" framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mianzhi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junxuan Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Wei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Lei Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Jiang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yongxue Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenling Zeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, China
- National Risk Assessment Laboratory for Antimicrobial Resistance of Animal Original Bacteria, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou, China
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Costa AR, van den Berg DF, Esser JQ, Muralidharan A, van den Bossche H, Bonilla BE, van der Steen BA, Haagsma AC, Fluit AC, Nobrega FL, Haas PJ, Brouns SJJ. Accumulation of defense systems in phage-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadj0341. [PMID: 38394193 PMCID: PMC10889362 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adj0341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Prokaryotes encode multiple distinct anti-phage defense systems in their genomes. However, the impact of carrying a multitude of defense systems on phage resistance remains unclear, especially in a clinical context. Using a collection of antibiotic-resistant clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a broad panel of phages, we demonstrate that defense systems contribute substantially to defining phage host range and that overall phage resistance scales with the number of defense systems in the bacterial genome. We show that many individual defense systems target specific phage genera and that defense systems with complementary phage specificities co-occur in P. aeruginosa genomes likely to provide benefits in phage-diverse environments. Overall, we show that phage-resistant phenotypes of P. aeruginosa with at least 19 phage defense systems exist in the populations of clinical, antibiotic-resistant P. aeruginosa strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Rita Costa
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Daan F. van den Berg
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Jelger Q. Esser
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Aswin Muralidharan
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Halewijn van den Bossche
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Boris Estrada Bonilla
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Baltus A. van der Steen
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Anna C. Haagsma
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
| | - Ad C. Fluit
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Franklin L. Nobrega
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, SO17 1BJ Southampton, UK
| | - Pieter-Jan Haas
- Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stan J. J. Brouns
- Department of Bionanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
- Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, Delft University of Technology, 2629 HZ Delft, Netherlands
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Fortaleza JAG, Ong CJN, De Jesus R. Efficacy and clinical potential of phage therapy in treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections: A review. Eur J Microbiol Immunol (Bp) 2024; 14:13-25. [PMID: 38305804 PMCID: PMC10895361 DOI: 10.1556/1886.2023.00064] [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: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus infections have already presented a substantial public health challenge, encompassing different clinical manifestations, ranging from bacteremia to sepsis and multi-organ failures. Among these infections, methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is particularly alarming due to its well-documented resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics, contributing significantly to global mortality rates. Consequently, the urgent need for effective treatment options has prompted a growing interest in exploring phage therapy as a potential non-antibiotic treatment against MRSA infections. Phages represent a class of highly specific bacterial viruses known for their ability to infect certain bacterial strains. This review paper explores the clinical potential of phages as a treatment for MRSA infections due to their low toxicity and auto-dosing capabilities. The paper also discusses the synergistic effect of phage-antibiotic combination (PAC) and the promising results from in vitro and animal model studies, which could lead to extensive human clinical trials. However, clinicians need to establish and adhere to standard protocols governing phage administration and implementation. Prominent clinical trials are needed to develop and advance phage therapy as a non-antibiotic therapy intervention, meeting regulatory guidelines, logistical requirements, and ethical considerations, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of MRSA infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamil Allen G Fortaleza
- 1Senior High School Department, NU Fairview Incorporated, Quezon City, 1118, Philippines
- 2National University, Philippines, Sampaloc, Manila, 1008, Philippines
| | | | - Rener De Jesus
- 4Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Watson BNJ, Capria L, Alseth EO, Pons BJ, Biswas A, Lenzi L, Buckling A, van Houte S, Westra ER, Meaden S. CRISPR-Cas in Pseudomonas aeruginosa provides transient population-level immunity against high phage exposures. THE ISME JOURNAL 2024; 18:wrad039. [PMID: 38366022 PMCID: PMC10873826 DOI: 10.1093/ismejo/wrad039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The prokaryotic adaptive immune system, CRISPR-Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats; CRISPR-associated), requires the acquisition of spacer sequences that target invading mobile genetic elements such as phages. Previous work has identified ecological variables that drive the evolution of CRISPR-based immunity of the model organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14 against its phage DMS3vir, resulting in rapid phage extinction. However, it is unclear if and how stable such acquired immunity is within bacterial populations, and how this depends on the environment. Here, we examine the dynamics of CRISPR spacer acquisition and loss over a 30-day evolution experiment and identify conditions that tip the balance between long-term maintenance of immunity versus invasion of alternative resistance strategies that support phage persistence. Specifically, we find that both the initial phage dose and reinfection frequencies determine whether or not acquired CRISPR immunity is maintained in the long term, and whether or not phage can coexist with the bacteria. At the population genetics level, emergence and loss of CRISPR immunity are associated with high levels of spacer diversity that subsequently decline due to invasion of bacteria carrying pilus-associated mutations. Together, these results provide high resolution of the dynamics of CRISPR immunity acquisition and loss and demonstrate that the cumulative phage burden determines the effectiveness of CRISPR over ecologically relevant timeframes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget N J Watson
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Loris Capria
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Ellinor O Alseth
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
- Center for Microbial Dynamics and Infection, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, United States
| | - Benoit J Pons
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Ambarish Biswas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin, 9059, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Luca Lenzi
- Institute of Integrative Biology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, Merseyside, L69 7BE, United Kingdom
| | - Angus Buckling
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Stineke van Houte
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Edze R Westra
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
| | - Sean Meaden
- Biosciences, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, United Kingdom
- Department of Biology, University of York, Wentworth Way, York, North Yorkshire YO10 3DB, United Kingdom
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Song BPC, Ch'ng ACW, Lim TS. Review of phage display: A jack-of-all-trades and master of most biomolecule display. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 256:128455. [PMID: 38013083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2023.128455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Phage display was first described by George P. Smith when it was shown that virus particles were capable of presenting foreign proteins on their surface. The technology has paved the way for the evolution of various biomolecules presentation and diverse selection strategies. This unique feature has been applied as a versatile platform for numerous applications in drug discovery, protein engineering, diagnostics, and vaccine development. Over the decades, the limits of biomolecules displayed on phage particles have expanded from peptides to proteomes and even alternative scaffolds. This has allowed phage display to be viewed as a versatile display platform to accommodate various biomolecules ranging from small peptides to larger proteomes which has significantly impacted advancements in the biomedical industry. This review will explore the vast array of biomolecules that have been successfully employed in phage display technology in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Pei Chui Song
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Angela Chiew Wen Ch'ng
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia
| | - Theam Soon Lim
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia; Analytical Biochemistry Research Centre, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Penang, Malaysia.
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