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Necel A, Dydecka A, Topka-Bielecka G, Wesołowski W, Lewandowska N, Bloch S, Nejman-Faleńczyk B. What, how, and why? - anti-EHEC phages and their application potential in medicine and food industry. J Appl Genet 2024:10.1007/s13353-024-00918-4. [PMID: 39527365 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-024-00918-4] [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: 09/09/2024] [Revised: 10/12/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024]
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are pathogens that, only in the United States, cause more than 250,000 foodborne infections a year. Since antibiotics or other antidiarrheal agents may increase the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) development risk, currently only supportive therapy, including hydration, is used. Therefore, many methods to fight EHEC bacteria focus on their use in food processing to prevent human infection. One of the proposed anti-EHEC agents is bacteriophages, known for their bactericidal effect, host specificity, and lack of cross-resistance with antibiotics. In this review article, we provide an overview of the characteristics like source of isolation, morphology, kinetics of life cycle, and treatment potential of over 130 bacteriophages able to infect EHEC strains. Based on the reviewed literature, we conclude that bacteriophages may play a highly significant role in regulating EHEC propagation. In addition, we also point out the phage features that should be taken into account not only when using bacteriophages but also when examining their properties. This may contribute to accelerating the pace of work on the preventive use of bacteriophages, which is extremely needed in the modern world of the food industry, but also stimulate interest in phages and accelerate regulatory work that would enable the use of bacteriophages also in medicine, to fight the drug-resistant strains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Necel
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębowa 25, 80-204, Gdansk, Poland.
| | | | | | - Wojciech Wesołowski
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Natalia Lewandowska
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Sylwia Bloch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
- BNF - New Bio Force sp. z o.o., Kartuska 420a, 80-125, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Bożena Nejman-Faleńczyk
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland
- BNF - New Bio Force sp. z o.o., Kartuska 420a, 80-125, Gdańsk, Poland
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2
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Ssekatawa K, Ntulume I, Byarugaba DK, Michniewski S, Jameson E, Wampande EM, Nakavuma J. Isolation and Characterization of Novel Lytic Bacteriophages Infecting Carbapenem-Resistant Pathogenic Diarrheagenic and Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:3367-3384. [PMID: 39135747 PMCID: PMC11317518 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s466101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The evolution of antimicrobial resistance has dramatically reduced the efficacy of the first-choice and last-resort antibiotics used to treat E. coli infections. Thus, searching for novel therapeutics to treat and control the emergence of antibiotic resistance is urgent. Therefore, this study aimed to illustrate the lytic effect of phages against carbapenem-resistant pathogenic E. coli. Methods Phages were isolated from hospital effluents by the enrichment assay. This was followed by the evaluation of the host range of the phages by the spot assay. The time taken by phages to bind to the host bacterial cells was determined by the adsorption assay. The phage latent period and burst size were determined using a one-step growth experiment. Phage morphology was determined by the Transmission Electron Microscopy. Molecular characterization of phages was done by whole genome sequencing. Results Two phages named UGKSEcP1 and UGKSEcP2 were isolated from hospital effluents. The phages were professionally lytic with a broad host range. The two phages recorded an average adsorption time of 11.25 minutes, an adsorption rate of 99.3%, a latency period of 20 minutes, and a burst size of approximately 528 phages/infected cell. Phages UGKSEcP1 and UGKSEcP2 had genome lengths of 167433bp, and 167221bp with 277 and 276 predicted genes, respectively, and no undesirable genes were detected. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the two phages belonged genus Tequatrovirus. TEM micrograph showed that the two phages had a similar morphotype with icosahedral heads and contractile tails; thus, classified as members of the Myoviridae phage family. Conclusion The findings demonstrate that the study isolated two novel professionally lytic phages with a broad host range and thus, are candidates for phage-mediated biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Ssekatawa
- Department of Science Technical and Vocational Education, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Africa Center of Excellence in Materials, Product Development and Nanotechnology (MAPRONANO ACE), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ibrahim Ntulume
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | - Eleanor Jameson
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Gwynedd, UK
| | - Eddie M Wampande
- Department of Veterinary Pharmacy, Clinical and Comparative Medicine, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Jesca Nakavuma
- Department of Biotechnical and Diagnostic Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
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3
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Smith KR, Bumunang EW, Schlechte J, Waldner M, Anany H, Walker M, MacLean K, Stanford K, Fairbrother JM, Alexander TW, McAllister TA, Abdul-Careem MF, Niu YD. The Isolation and Characterization of Bacteriophages Infecting Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli O1, O2 and O78 Strains. Viruses 2023; 15:2095. [PMID: 37896873 PMCID: PMC10612097 DOI: 10.3390/v15102095] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), such as O1, O2 and O78, are important serogroups relating to chicken health, being responsible for colibacillosis. In this study, we isolated and characterized bacteriophages (phages) from hen feces and human sewage in Alberta with the potential for controlling colibacillosis in laying hens. The lytic profile, host range, pH tolerance and morphology of seven APEC-infecting phages (ASO1A, ASO1B, ASO2A, ASO78A, ASO2B, AVIO78A and ASO78B) were assessed using a microplate phage virulence assay and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The potential safety of phages at the genome level was predicted using AMRFinderPlus and the Virulence Factor Database. Finally, phage genera and genetic relatedness with other known phages from the NCBI GenBank database were inferred using the virus intergenomic distance calculator and single gene-based phylogenetic trees. The seven APEC-infecting phages preferentially lysed APEC strains in this study, with ECL21443 (O2) being the most susceptible to phages (n = 5). ASO78A had the broadest host range, lysing all tested strains (n = 5) except ECL20885 (O1). Phages were viable at a pH of 2.5 or 3.5-9.0 after 4 h of incubation. Based on TEM, phages were classed as myovirus, siphovirus and podovirus. No genes associated with virulence, antimicrobial resistance or lysogeny were detected in phage genomes. Comparative genomic analysis placed six of the seven phages in five genera: Felixounavirus (ASO1A and ASO1B), Phapecoctavirus (ASO2A), Tequatrovirus (ASO78A), Kayfunavirus (ASO2B) and Sashavirus (AVIO78A). Based on the nucleotide intergenomic similarity (<70%), phage ASO78B was not assigned a genus in the siphovirus and could represent a new genus in class Caudoviricetes. The tail fiber protein phylogeny revealed variations within APEC-infecting phages and closely related phages. Diverse APEC-infecting phages harbored in the environment demonstrate the potential to control colibacillosis in poultry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kat R. Smith
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (K.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.W.); (K.M.); (M.F.A.-C.)
| | - Emmanuel W. Bumunang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada; (E.W.B.); (T.W.A.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Jared Schlechte
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (K.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.W.); (K.M.); (M.F.A.-C.)
| | - Matthew Waldner
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (K.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.W.); (K.M.); (M.F.A.-C.)
| | - Hany Anany
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Guelph Research and Development Centre, Guelph, ON N1G 5C9, Canada;
| | - Matthew Walker
- Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, MB R3E 3R2, Canada;
| | - Kellie MacLean
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (K.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.W.); (K.M.); (M.F.A.-C.)
| | - Kim Stanford
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 1M4, Canada;
| | - John M. Fairbrother
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 2M2, Canada;
| | - Trevor W. Alexander
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada; (E.W.B.); (T.W.A.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Tim A. McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada; (E.W.B.); (T.W.A.); (T.A.M.)
| | - Mohamed Faizal Abdul-Careem
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (K.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.W.); (K.M.); (M.F.A.-C.)
| | - Yan D. Niu
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (K.R.S.); (J.S.); (M.W.); (K.M.); (M.F.A.-C.)
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4
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Lauman P, Dennis JJ. Synergistic Interactions among Burkholderia cepacia Complex-Targeting Phages Reveal a Novel Therapeutic Role for Lysogenization-Capable Phages. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0443022. [PMID: 37195168 PMCID: PMC10269493 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.04430-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is a danger to global public health and threatens many aspects of modern medicine. Bacterial species such as those of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) cause life-threatening respiratory infections and are highly resistant to antibiotics. One promising alternative being explored to combat Bcc infections is phage therapy (PT): the use of phages to treat bacterial infections. Unfortunately, the utility of PT against many pathogenic species is limited by its prevailing paradigm: that only obligately lytic phages should be used therapeutically. It is thought that 'lysogenic' phages do not lyse all bacteria and can transfer antimicrobial resistance or virulence factors to their hosts. We argue that the tendency of a lysogenization-capable (LC) phage to form stable lysogens is not predicated exclusively on its ability to do so, and that the therapeutic suitability of a phage must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Concordantly, we developed several novel metrics-Efficiency of Phage Activity, Growth Reduction Coefficient, and Stable Lysogenization Frequency-and used them to evaluate eight Bcc-specific phages. Although these parameters vary considerably among Bcc phages, a strong inverse correlation (R2 = 0.67; P < 0.0001) exists between lysogen formation and antibacterial activity, indicating that certain LC phages with low frequency of stable lysogenization may be therapeutically efficacious. Moreover, we show that many LC Bcc phages interact synergistically with other phages in the first reported instance of mathematically defined polyphage synergy, and that these interactions result in the eradication of in vitro bacterial growth. Together, these findings reveal a novel therapeutic role for LC phages and challenge the current paradigm of PT. IMPORTANCE The spread of antimicrobial resistance is an imminent threat to public health around the world. Particularly concerning are species of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), which cause life-threatening respiratory infections and are notoriously resistant to antibiotics. Phage therapy is a promising alternative being explored to combat Bcc infections and antimicrobial resistance in general, but its utility against many pathogenic species, including the Bcc, is restricted by the currently prevailing paradigm of exclusively using rare obligately lytic phages due to the perception that 'lysogenic' phages are therapeutically unsuitable. Our findings show that many lysogenization-capable phages exhibit powerful in vitro antibacterial activity both alone and through mathematically defined synergistic interactions with other phages, demonstrating a novel therapeutic role for LC phages and therefore challenging the currently prevailing paradigm of PT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip Lauman
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jonathan J. Dennis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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5
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Ding Y, Nan Y, Qiu Y, Niu D, Stanford K, Holley R, McAllister T, Narváez‐Bravo C. Use of a phage cocktail to reduce the numbers of seven
Escherichia coli
strains belonging to different
STEC
serogroups applied to fresh produce and seeds. J Food Saf 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/jfs.13044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Ding
- Food and Human Nutritional Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Yuchen Nan
- Food and Human Nutritional Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Yang Qiu
- Food and Human Nutritional Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Dongyan Niu
- Ecosystem & Public Health University of Calgary Calgary Alberta Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Lethbridge Lethbridge Canada
| | - Rick Holley
- Food and Human Nutritional Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Tim McAllister
- Food and Human Nutritional Sciences University of Manitoba Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
- Ecosystem & Public Health University of Calgary Calgary Alberta Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences University of Lethbridge Lethbridge Canada
- Agriculture and Agri‐Food Canada Lethbridge Research and Development Centre Lethbridge Alberta Canada
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6
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Effective Therapeutic Options for Melioidosis: Antibiotics versus Phage Therapy. Pathogens 2022; 12:pathogens12010011. [PMID: 36678359 PMCID: PMC9863960 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Melioidosis, also known as Whitmore's disease, is a potentially fatal infection caused by the Gram-negative bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei with a mortality rate of 10-50%. The condition is a "glanders-like" illness prevalent in Southeast Asian and Northern Australian regions and can affect humans, animals, and sometimes plants. Melioidosis received the epithet "the great mimicker" owing to its vast spectrum of non-specific clinical manifestations, such as localised abscesses, septicaemia, pneumonia, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, and encephalomyelitis, which often lead to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. To date, antibiotics remain the backbone of melioidosis treatment, which includes intravenous therapy with ceftazidime or meropenem, followed by oral therapy with TMP-SMX or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and supported by adjunctive treatment. However, bacteria have developed resistance to a series of antibiotics, including clinically significant ones, during treatment. Therefore, phage therapy has gained unprecedented interest and has been proposed as an alternative treatment. Although no effective phage therapy has been published, the findings of experimental phage therapies suggest that the concept could be feasible. This article reviews the benefits and limitations of antibiotics and phage therapy in terms of established regimens, bacterial resistance, host specificity, and biofilm degradation.
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7
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Glonti T, Pirnay JP. In Vitro Techniques and Measurements of Phage Characteristics That Are Important for Phage Therapy Success. Viruses 2022; 14:1490. [PMID: 35891470 PMCID: PMC9323186 DOI: 10.3390/v14071490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Validated methods for phage selection, host range expansion, and lytic activity determination are indispensable for maximizing phage therapy outcomes. In this review, we describe some relevant methods, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages, and categorize them as preliminary or confirmatory methods where appropriate. Experimental conditions, such as the composition and consistency of culture media, have an impact on bacterial growth and, consequently, phage propagation and the selection of phage-resistant mutants. The phages require different experimental conditions to be tested to fully reveal their characteristics and phage therapy potential in view of their future use in therapy. Phage lytic activity or virulence should be considered as a result of the phage, its host, and intracellular/environmental factors, including the ability of a phage to recognize receptors on the bacterial cell surface. In vitro quantitative and qualitative measurements of phage characteristics, further validated by in vivo experiments, could be incorporated into one system or mathematical model/formula, which could predict a potential successful outcome of clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Glonti
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium;
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8
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Li Z, Feng J, Jiang G, Zhou D, Hua J, Li Q. Characterization and genomic analysis of the novel Aeromonas veronii phage pAEv1812. Arch Virol 2022; 167:1865-1870. [PMID: 35716266 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-022-05491-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Bacteria of the species Aeromonas veronii are generally ubiquitous in different aquatic environments and are capable of causing a variety of diseases in aquatic animals. In this work, the phage isolate pAEv1812, which is lytic to A. veronii strain 1810, was characterized and sequenced. Morphological analysis revealed that pAEv1812 has a symmetrical head and a long non-contractile tail. A one-step growth curve analysis showed that the latent period and burst period of pAEv1812 were approximately 40 min and 80 min, respectively, with a burst size of 190 PFU/infected cell. The genome of phage pAEv1812 is 61,461 bp in length with a G+C content of 61.4%. Eighteen of the 75 putative proteins encoded by this phage have known functions, and there were no rRNA and tRNA genes in the genome. Phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences of the major capsid protein and terminase large subunit suggested that phage pAEv1812 should be included as a member of the genus Chivirus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Feng
- School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, People's Republic of China
| | - Guilai Jiang
- School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, People's Republic of China
| | - Dayu Zhou
- School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, People's Republic of China
| | - JiaJia Hua
- School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Li
- School of Marine and Biological Engineering, Yancheng Institute of Technology, Yancheng, 224051, People's Republic of China.
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9
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Rahman MRT, Fliss I, Biron E. Insights in the Development and Uses of Alternatives to Antibiotic Growth Promoters in Poultry and Swine Production. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:766. [PMID: 35740172 PMCID: PMC9219610 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has contributed to the rise and spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria. To address this global public health threat, many countries have restricted the use of antibiotics as growth promoters and promoted the development of alternatives to antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine and animal farming. In food-animal production, acidifiers, bacteriophages, enzymes, phytochemicals, probiotics, prebiotics, and antimicrobial peptides have shown hallmarks as alternatives to antibiotics. This review reports the current state of these alternatives as growth-promoting factors for poultry and swine production and describes their mode of action. Recent findings on their usefulness and the factors that presently hinder their broader use in animal food production are identified by SWOT (strength, weakness, opportunity, and threat) analysis. The potential for resistance development as well as co- and cross-resistance with currently used antibiotics is also discussed. Using predetermined keywords, we searched specialized databases including Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Antibiotic resistance cannot be stopped, but its spreading can certainly be hindered or delayed with the development of more alternatives with innovative modes of action and a wise and careful use of antimicrobials in a One Health approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ramim Tanver Rahman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, CHU de Québec Research Center, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
| | - Ismail Fliss
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Eric Biron
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, CHU de Québec Research Center, Québec, QC G1V 4G2, Canada
- Institute of Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada;
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10
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Synergistic Effects of Bacteriophage vB_Eco4-M7 and Selected Antibiotics on the Biofilm Formed by Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11060712. [PMID: 35740119 PMCID: PMC9219966 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11060712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Apart from antibiotic resistance of pathogenic bacteria, the formation of biofilms is a feature that makes bacterial infections especially difficulty to treat. Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains are dangerous pathogens, causing severe infections in humans, and capable of biofilm production. We have reported previously the identification and characterization of the vB_Eco4-M7 bacteriophage, infecting various STEC strains. It was suggested that this phage might be potentially used in phage therapy against these bacteria. Here, we tested the effects of vB_Eco4-M7 alone or in a phage cocktail with another STEC-infecting phage, and/or in a combination with different antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and rifampicin) on biofilm formed by a model STEC strain, named E. coli O157:H7 (ST2-8624). The vB_Eco4-M7 phage appeared effective in anti-biofilm action in all these experimental conditions (2–3-fold reduction of the biofilm density, and 2–3 orders of magnitude reduction of the number of bacterial cells). However, the highest efficiency in reducing a biofilm’s density and number of bacterial cells was observed when phage infection preceded antibiotic treatment (6-fold reduction of the biofilm density, and 5–6 orders of magnitude reduction of the number of bacterial cells). Previous reports indicated that the use of antibiotics to treat STEC-caused infections might be dangerous due to the induction of Shiga toxin-converting prophages from bacterial genomes under stress conditions caused by antibacterial agents. We found that ciprofloxacin was almost as efficient in inducing prophages from the E. coli O15:H7 (ST2-8624) genome as a classical inducer, mitomycin C, while no detectable prophage induction could be observed in rifampicin-treated STEC cells. Therefore, we conclude the latter antibiotic or similarly acting compounds might be candidate(s) as effective and safe drug(s) when used in combination with phage therapy to combat STEC-mediated infections.
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11
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Huang C, Feng C, Liu X, Zhao R, Wang Z, Xi H, Ou H, Han W, Guo Z, Gu J, Zhang L. The Bacteriophage vB_CbrM_HP1 Protects Crucian Carp Against Citrobacter braakii Infection. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:888561. [PMID: 35601403 PMCID: PMC9120918 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.888561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Citrobacter braakii is an opportunistic pathogen that induces aquatic infections in fish and turtles. In this study, a bacteriophage that infects C. braakii, named vB_CbrM_HP1, was isolated from sewage. This phage belongs to Myoviridae family, Ounavirinae subfamily, Mooglevirus genus. We also used the phage to treat crucian carp infection caused by C. braakii for the first time. vB_CbrM_HP1 was relatively stable at temperatures ranging from 4 to 60°C and pH values ranging from 3 to 11 but float slightly. When the multiplicities of infection (MOI) was 0.0001, the titer reached a maximum of 4.20 × 1010 PFU/ml. As revealed from the results of whole genomic sequence analysis, the total length of vB_CbrM_HP1 was 89335 bp, encoding 135 ORFs, 9 of which were <75% similar to the known sequences in NCBI. The phage vB_CbrM_HP1 showed a highly efficient bactericidal effect against C. braakii both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, vB_CbrM_HP1 was capable of effectively killing bacteria (the colony count decreased by 4.7 log units at 5 h). In vivo, administration of vB_CbrM_HP1 (1 × 109 PFU) effectively protected crucian carp against fatal infection caused by C. braakii. Phage treatment reduced the levels of inflammatory factors. All these results demonstrated the potential of vB_CbrM_HP1 as an alternative treatment strategy for infections caused by C. braakii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunzheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chao Feng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Rihong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hengyu Xi
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hongda Ou
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyu Han
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhimin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Zhimin Guo
| | - Jingmin Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Zoonotic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis Research, Ministry of Education, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for the Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- Jingmin Gu
| | - Lei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
- Lei Zhang
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12
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Šimoliūnienė M, Kazlauskas D, Zajančkauskaitė A, Meškys R, Truncaitė L. Escherichia coli trxAgene as a molecular marker for genome engineering of felixounoviruses. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2021; 1865:129967. [PMID: 34324954 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2021.129967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial viruses (bacteriophages or phages) have a lot of uncharacterized genes, which hinders the progress of their applied research. Functional characterization of these genes is often hampered by a lack of suitable methods for engineering of phage genomes. METHODS Phages vB_EcoM_Alf5 (Alf5) and VB_EcoM_VpaE1 (VpaE1) were used as the model phages of Felixounovirus genus. The phage-coded properties were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. The 'pull-down' assay was used for detection of protein-protein interactions. Primer extension analysis was used for the DNA polymerase (DNAP) activity testing. Bacteriophage lambda Redγβα-assisted homologous recombination was used for construction of phage mutants. RESULTS Bioinformatics analysis showed that felixounoviruses encode DNA polymerase, which is homologous to the T7 DNAP. We found that the Escherichia coli thioredoxin A (TrxA) in vitro interacts with the predicted DNAP of Alf5 phage (gp096) and enhances its activity. Phages Alf5 and VpaE1 do not grow on E. coli strains lacking trxA gene unless it is provided in trans. This feature was used for construction of the deletion/insertion mutants of non-essential genes of felixounoviruses. CONCLUSION DNA replication of phages from Felixonuvirus genus depends on the host trxA, which therefore may be used as a molecular marker for their genome engineering. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE We present a proof-of-principle of a strategy for targeted engineering of bacteriophages of Felixounovirus genus. The method developed here will facilitate the basic and applied research of this unexplored phage group. Furthermore, detected functional interactions between the phage and host proteins will be significant for basic research of DNA replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Šimoliūnienė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, 7 Saulėtekio av., LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Darius Kazlauskas
- Department of Bioinformatics, Institute of Biotechnology, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, 7 Saulėtekio av., LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Aurelija Zajančkauskaitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, 7 Saulėtekio av., LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Rolandas Meškys
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, 7 Saulėtekio av., LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Lidija Truncaitė
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Biotechnology, Institute of Biochemistry, Life Sciences Center, Vilnius University, 7 Saulėtekio av., LT-10257 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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13
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Niu YD, Liu H, Du H, Meng R, Sayed Mahmoud E, Wang G, McAllister TA, Stanford K. Efficacy of Individual Bacteriophages Does Not Predict Efficacy of Bacteriophage Cocktails for Control of Escherichia coli O157. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:616712. [PMID: 33717006 PMCID: PMC7943454 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.616712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Effectiveness of bacteriophages AKFV33 (Tequintavirus, T5) and AHP24 (Rogunavirus, T1), wV7 (Tequatrovirus, T4), and AHP24S (Vequintavirus, rV5), as well as 11 cocktails of combinations of the four phages, were evaluated in vitro for biocontrol of six common phage types of Escherichia coli O157 (human and bovine origins) at different multiplicities of infection (MOIs; 0.01–1,000), temperatures (37 or 22°C), and exposure times (10–22 h). Phage efficacy against O157 was highest at MOI 1,000 (P < 0.001) and after 14-18 h of exposure at 22°C (P < 0.001). The activity of individual phages against O157 did not predict the activity of a cocktail of these phages even at the same temperature and MOI. Combinations of phages were neutral (no better or worse than the most effective constituent phages acting alone), displayed facilitation (greater efficacy than the most effective constituent phages acting alone), or antagonistic (lower efficacy than the most effective constituent phages acting alone). Across MOIs, temperatures, exposure time, and O157 strains, a cocktail of T1, T4, and rV5 was most effective (P < 0.05) against O157, although T1 and rV5 were less effective (P < 0.001) than other individual phages. T5 was the most effective individual phages (P < 0.05), but was antagonistic to other phages, particularly rV5 and T4 + rV5. Interactions among phages were influenced by phage genera and phage combination, O157 strains, MOIs, incubation temperatures, and times. Based on this study, future development of phage cocktails should, as a minimum, include confirmation of a lack of antagonism among constituent phages and preferably confirmation of facilitation or synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan D Niu
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hui Liu
- Hohhot Bureau of Ecology and Environment, Hohhot, China.,Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Hechao Du
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada.,College of Animal Science and Technology, Jinling Institute of Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ruiqiang Meng
- Inner Mongolia C. P. Livestock Husbandry Co., Ltd., Hohhot, China
| | - El Sayed Mahmoud
- School of Applied Computing, Faculty of Applied Science and Technology, Sheridan College, Oakville, ON, Canada
| | - Guihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an, China
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Department of Biological Science, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
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14
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Easwaran M, De Zoysa M, Shin HJ. Application of phage therapy: Synergistic effect of phage EcSw (ΦEcSw) and antibiotic combination towards antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. Transbound Emerg Dis 2020; 67:2809-2817. [PMID: 32453904 DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophage therapy is acknowledged as a potential tool to prevent or treat multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, our major focus was on the bacteriolytic activity of phage EcSw (ΦEcSw) against the emergence of the clinically important Escherichia coli Sw1 and E. coli O157:H7. The amount of the antibiotics was changed in a concentration-dependent manner, and the ΦEcSw susceptibility to antibiotics was determined. The kanamycin and chloramphenicol inhibited the titre of phage, but ampicillin did not show phage inhibition. Though the kanamycin and chloramphenicol controlled the growth of Sw1 in a concentration-dependent manner, the ampicillin did not due to the resistance. The combined activity of the ΦEcSw with antibiotics (kanamycin and chloramphenicol) compared with the antibiotics alone showed significant lytic activity p < .001). In addition, phage-based therapy was evaluated for controlling the multidrug-resistant E. coli Sw1 and E. coli O157:H7 in zebrafish and BALB/c mice, respectively. Our results provide novel advantages of phage therapy and phage-antibiotic therapy to control antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheswaran Easwaran
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Mahanama De Zoysa
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Shin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
- Research Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea
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15
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Montso PK, Mlambo V, Ateba CN. Efficacy of novel phages for control of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli O177 on artificially contaminated beef and their potential to disrupt biofilm formation. Food Microbiol 2020; 94:103647. [PMID: 33279072 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2020.103647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Contaminated beef is a prominent source of foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli O177. Susceptibility of nine multi-drug resistant E. coli O177 strains against eight individual phages and six phage cocktails was assessed using polystyrene microplate titer plate. Further, 180 beef samples were independently inoculated with E. coli O177 cells in triplicates and treated with eight individual phages and six phage cocktails to determine their efficacy in inhibiting bacteria growth at 4 °C over a 7-day incubation period. Results revealed that all E. coli O177 strains were susceptible to the phages. A significant log reduction in viable E. coli O177 cell counts was observed on beef samples upon phage treatment over the 7-day incubation period. Two individual phages and three phage cocktails reduced E. coli cell counts to levels below the detection limit (1.0 log10 CFU/g). Log reduction of viable E. coli cell counts ranged from 2.10 to 7.81 CFU/g for individual phages and from 2.86 to 7.81 CFU/g for cocktails. Individual phages and phage cocktails inhibited E. coli O177 biofilm formation with phage cocktails showing high efficacy. Furthermore, phage cocktails showed greater efficacy in destroying pre-formed biofilm than individual phages. Based on these findings, we concluded that phage cocktails developed in this study could be used to reduce E. coli O177 contamination and extend the shelf-life of stored raw beef.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kotsoana Montso
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | - Victor Mlambo
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Private Bag X11283, Mbombela, 1200, South Africa
| | - Collins Njie Ateba
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa.
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16
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Characterisation of Vibrio Species from Surface and Drinking Water Sources and Assessment of Biocontrol Potentials of Their Bacteriophages. Int J Microbiol 2020; 2020:8863370. [PMID: 32831847 PMCID: PMC7424396 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8863370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to characterise Vibrio species of water samples collected from taps, boreholes, and dams in the North West province, South Africa, and assess biocontrol potentials of their bacteriophages. Fifty-seven putative Vibrio isolates were obtained on thiosulfate-citrate-bile-salt-sucrose agar and identified using biochemical tests and species-specific PCRs. Isolates were further characterised based on the presence of virulence factors, susceptibility to eleven antibiotics, and biofilm formation potentials. Twenty-two (38.60%) isolates were confirmed as Vibrio species, comprising V. harveyi (45.5%, n = 10), V. parahaemolyticus (22.7%, n = 5), V. cholerae (13.6%, n = 3), V. mimicus (9.1%, n = 2), and V. vulnificus (9.1%, n = 2). Three of the six virulent genes screened were positively amplified; four V. parahaemolyticus possessed the tdh (18.18%) and trh (18.18%) genes, while the zot gene was harboured by 3 V. cholerae (13.64%) and one V. mimicus (4.55%) isolate. Isolates revealed high levels of resistance to cephalothin (95.45%), ampicillin (77.27%), and streptomycin (40.91%), while lower resistances (4.55%–27.27%) were recorded for other antimicrobials. Sixteen (72.7%) isolates displayed multiple antibiotic-resistant properties. Cluster analysis of antibiotic resistance revealed a closer relationship between Vibrio isolates from different sampling sites. The Vibrio species displayed biofilm formation potentials at 37°C (63.6, n = 14), 35°C (50%, n = 11), and 25°C (36.4%, n = 8). Two phages isolated in this study (vB_VpM_SA3V and vB_VcM_SA3V) were classified as belonging to the family Myoviridae based on electron microscopy. These were able to lyse multidrug-resistant V. parahaemolyticus and V. cholerae strains. These findings not only indicate the presence of antibiotic-resistant virulent Vibrio species from dam, borehole, and tap water samples that could pose a health risk to humans who either come in contact with or consume water but also present these lytic phages as alternative agents that can be exploited for biological control of these pathogenic strains.
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17
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Bumunang EW, Ateba CN, Stanford K, Niu YD, Wang Y, McAllister TA. Activity of Bacteriophage and Complex Tannins against Biofilm-Forming Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli from Canada and South Africa. Antibiotics (Basel) 2020; 9:E257. [PMID: 32429187 PMCID: PMC7277190 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics9050257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages, natural killers of bacteria, and plant secondary metabolites, such as condensed tannins, are potential agents for the control of foodborne pathogens. The first objective of this study evaluated the efficacy of a bacteriophage SA21RB in reducing pre-formed biofilms on stainless-steel produced by two Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains, one from South Africa and the other from Canada. The second objective examined the anti-bacterial and anti-biofilm activity of condensed tannin (CT) from purple prairie clover and phlorotannins (PT) from brown seaweed against these strains. For 24-h-old biofilms, (O113:H21; 6.2 log10 colony-forming units per square centimeter (CFU/cm2) and O154:H10; 5.4 log10 CFU/cm2), 3 h of exposure to phage (1013 plaque-forming units per milliliter (PFU/mL)) reduced (p ≤ 0.05) the number of viable cells attached to stainless-steel coupons by 2.5 and 2.1 log10 CFU/cm2 for O113:H21 and O154:H10, respectively. However, as biofilms matured, the ability of phage to control biofilm formation declined. In biofilms formed for 72 h (O113:H21; 5.4 log10 CFU/cm2 and O154:H10; 7 log10 CFU/cm2), reductions after the same duration of phage treatment were only 0.9 and 1.3 log10 CFU/cm2 for O113:H21 and O154:H10, respectively. Initial screening of CT and PT for anti-bacterial activity by a microplate assay indicated that both STEC strains were less sensitive (p ≤ 0.05) to CT than PT over a concentration range of 25-400 µg/mL. Based on the lower activity of CT (25-400 µg/mL), they were not further examined. Accordingly, PT (50 µg/mL) inhibited (p ≤ 0.05) biofilm formation for up to 24 h of incubation at 22 °C, but this inhibition progressively declined over 72 h for both O154:H10 and O113:H21. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that both SA21RB and PT eliminated 24 h biofilms, but that both strains were able to adhere and form biofilms on stainless-steel coupons at longer incubation times. These findings revealed that phage SA21RB is more effective at disrupting 24 than 72 h biofilms and that PT were able to inhibit biofilm formation of both E. coli O154:H10 and O113:H21 for up to 24 h.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel W. Bumunang
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (E.W.B.); (C.N.A.)
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada;
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V6, Canada;
| | - Collins N. Ateba
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa; (E.W.B.); (C.N.A.)
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V6, Canada;
| | - Yan D. Niu
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Y. Wang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada;
| | - Tim A. McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada;
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18
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Mühlen S, Dersch P. Treatment Strategies for Infections With Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:169. [PMID: 32435624 PMCID: PMC7218068 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Infections with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause outbreaks of severe diarrheal disease in children and the elderly around the world. The severe complications associated with toxin production and release range from bloody diarrhea and hemorrhagic colitis to hemolytic-uremic syndrome, kidney failure, and neurological issues. As the use of antibiotics for treatment of the infection has long been controversial due to reports that antibiotics may increase the production of Shiga toxin, the recommended therapy today is mainly supportive. In recent years, a variety of alternative treatment approaches such as monoclonal antibodies or antisera directed against Shiga toxin, toxin receptor analogs, and several vaccination strategies have been developed and evaluated in vitro and in animal models. A few strategies have progressed to the clinical trial phase. Here, we review the current understanding of and the progress made in the development of treatment options against STEC infections and discuss their potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Mühlen
- Institute for Infectiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Site University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Petra Dersch
- Institute for Infectiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.,German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated Site University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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19
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Control of Salmonella in chicken meat using a combination of a commercial bacteriophage and plant-based essential oils. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.106984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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20
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Storms ZJ, Teel MR, Mercurio K, Sauvageau D. The Virulence Index: A Metric for Quantitative Analysis of Phage Virulence. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2020; 1:27-36. [PMID: 36147620 PMCID: PMC9041455 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2019.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: One of the main challenges in developing phage therapy and manufacturing phage products is the reliable evaluation of their efficacy, performance, and quality. Since phage virulence is intrinsically difficult to fully capture, researchers have turned to rapid but partially inadequate methods for its evaluation. Materials and Methods: This study demonstrates a standardized quantitative method to assess phage virulence based on three parameters: the virulence index (VP )-quantifying the virulence of a phage against a host, the local virulence (vi )-assessing killing potential at given multiplicities of infection (MOIs), and MV50 -the MOI at which the phage achieves 50% of its maximum theoretical virulence. This was shown through comparative analysis of the virulence of phages T4, T5, and T7. Results: Under the conditions tested, phage T7 displayed the highest virulence, followed by phage T4 and, finally, by phage T5. The impact of parameters such as temperature and medium composition on virulence was shown for each phage. The use of the method to evaluate the virulence of combinations of phages-for example, for cocktail formulation-is also shown with phages T5 and T7. Conclusions: The method presented provides a platform for high-throughput quantitative assessment of phage virulence and quality control of phage products. It can also be applied to phage screening, evaluation of phage strains, phage mutants, infection conditions and/or the susceptibility of host strains, and the formulation of phage cocktails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary J. Storms
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Matthew R. Teel
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Kevin Mercurio
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Dominic Sauvageau
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Address correspondence to: Dominic Sauvageau, PhD, Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Alberta, 9211-116 Street NW, Edmonton, AB T6G 1H9, Canada
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21
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Niu YD, Liu H, Johnson RP, McAllister TA, Stanford K. Effect of a bacteriophage T5virus on growth of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella strains in individual and mixed cultures. Virol J 2020; 17:3. [PMID: 31910855 PMCID: PMC6947960 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1269-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A previously isolated a bacteriophage, vB_EcoS_AKFV33 of T5virus, demonstrated great potential in biocontrol of Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) O157. This study further evaluated its potential as a biocontrol agent in broth culture against other important non-O157 serogroups of STEC and Salmonella. AKFV33 was capable of lysing isolates of STEC serogroups O26 (n = 1), O145 (n = 1) and Salmonella enterica serovars (n = 6). In a broth culture microplate system, efficacy of AKFV33 for killing STEC O26:H11, O145:NM and Salmonella was improved (P < 0.05) at a lower multiplicity of infection and sampling time (6–10 h), when STEC O157:H7 was also included in the culture. This phage was able to simultaneously reduce numbers of STEC and Salmonella in mixtures with enhanced activity (P < 0.05) against O157:H7 and O26:H11, offering great promise for control of multiple zoonotic pathogens at both pre and post-harvest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan D Niu
- Department of Ecosystem and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Hui Liu
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Roger P Johnson
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON, N1G 3W4, Canada
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture Centre, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V6, Canada
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22
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Montso PK, Mlambo V, Ateba CN. Characterization of Lytic Bacteriophages Infecting Multidrug-Resistant Shiga Toxigenic Atypical Escherichia coli O177 Strains Isolated From Cattle Feces. Front Public Health 2019; 7:355. [PMID: 32039126 PMCID: PMC6988782 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2019.00355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance and emergence of virulent bacterial pathogens, coupled with a lack of new effective antibiotics, has reignited interest in the use of lytic bacteriophage therapy. The aim of this study was to characterize lytic Escherichia coli O177-specific bacteriophages isolated from cattle feces to determine their potential application as biocontrol agents. A total of 31 lytic E. coli O177-specific bacteriophages were isolated. A large proportion (71%) of these phage isolates produced large plaques while 29% produced small plaques on 0.3% soft agar. Based on different plaque morphologies and clarity and size of plaques, eight phages were selected for further analyses. Spot test and efficiency of plating (EOP) analyses were performed to determine the host range for selected phages. Phage morphotype and growth were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy and the one-step growth curve method. Phages were also assessed for thermal and pH stability. The spot test revealed that all selected phages were capable of infecting different environmental E. coli strains. However, none of the phages infected American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and environmental Salmonella strains. Furthermore, EOP analysis (range: 0.1-1.0) showed that phages were capable of infecting a wide range of E. coli isolates. Selected phage isolates had a similar morphotype (an icosahedral head and a contractile tail) and were classified under the order Caudovirales, Myoviridae family. The icosahedral heads ranged from 81.2 to 110.77 nm, while the contractile tails ranged from 115.55 to 132.57 nm in size. The phages were found to be still active after 60 min of incubation at 37 and 40°C. Incremental levels of pH induced a quadratic response on stability of all phages. The pH optima for all eight phages ranged between 7.6 and 8.0, while at pH 3.0 all phages were inactive. Phage latent period ranged between 15 and 25 min while burst size ranged from 91 to 522 virion particles [plaque-forming unit (PFU)] per infected cell. These results demonstrate that lytic E. coli O177-specific bacteriophages isolated from cattle feces are highly stable and have the capacity to infect different E. coli strains, traits that make them potential biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Kotsoana Montso
- Bacteriophage Therapy and Phage Bio-Control Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
| | - Victor Mlambo
- Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, School of Agricultural Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, South Africa
| | - Collins Njie Ateba
- Bacteriophage Therapy and Phage Bio-Control Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
- Food Security and Safety Niche Area, North-West University, Mmabatho, South Africa
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Zhang X, Niu YD, Nan Y, Stanford K, Holley R, McAllister T, Narváez-Bravo C. SalmoFresh™ effectiveness in controlling Salmonella on romaine lettuce, mung bean sprouts and seeds. Int J Food Microbiol 2019; 305:108250. [PMID: 31226567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a commercial Salmonella bacteriophage mixture (SalmoFresh™ 6-phage strains) and to compare its effectiveness with a chlorinated water treatment to reduce Salmonella on produce and seeds at different temperatures and storage times. Two sets of experiments were designed to test phage and chlorinated water effectiveness on produce at 2, 10 and 25 °C at different storage times (1, 24, 48 and 72 h). First, SalmoFresh™ was applied to the surface of lettuce, mung bean sprouts and mung bean seeds that were spot-inoculated with a five Salmonella strain mixture (Newport, Braenderup, Typhimurium, Kentucky, and Heidelberg, 105 CFU/mL) by spraying phages onto lettuce (n = 48 pieces, 3×3 cm2 per treatment) and sprouts (n = 48 pieces per treatment). A second set of experiments (scaled-up) consisted in the application of phages by immersion to Salmonella adulterated lettuce (600 g), 300 g sprouts (300 g) or mung bean seeds (30 g) in a phage cocktail (108 PFU/mL) for 15 min (lettuce and sprouts) or 1 h (seeds). Another group of samples was washed with chlorinated water and yet another group was treated with a combination of chlorinated water followed by phage cocktail. Each experiment was repeated three times by quadruplicates. After the treatments for spot-inoculated and scaled-up experiments, lettuce and sprouts were separated into different lots (10 g/lot) and stored at 2, 10 and 25 °C; Salmonella was enumerated after 1, 24, 48 and 72 h. Adulterated phage-treated seeds were packaged and stored dry at 25 °C. Salmonella was enumerated after 72 h of storage. Groups of phage treated mung bean seeds (720 g) were germinated, and the reduction in Salmonella determined. Results of microplate virulence assays indicated that SalmoFresh™ reduced (P = 0.007) Salmonella by an average of 5.34 logs CFU/mL after 5 h at 25 °C. Spraying SalmoFresh™ onto lettuce and sprouts reduced Salmonella by 0.76 and 0.83 log10 CFU/g, respectively (P < 0.01). Immersion of produce in a phage solution was better at killing Salmonella P < 0.05) than spraying it onto the surface, reducing Salmonella by 2.43 and 2.16 log10 CFU/g on lettuce and sprouts, respectively. SalmoFresh™ was an effective biocontrol intervention to reduce Salmonella on lettuce and sprouts. On seeds, although a reduction was observed, Salmonella was able to grow exponentially during germination; therefore, the phage cocktail was not effective on mung bean seeds or sprouts obtained from adulterated seeds. The combination of hurdles, chlorination fallowed by the phage cocktail was the most effective treatment to reduce Salmonella on lettuce and sprouts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | | | - Yuchen Nan
- University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Lethbridge, Canada
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Characterization of the Escherichia coli Virulent Myophage ST32. Viruses 2018; 10:v10110616. [PMID: 30405057 PMCID: PMC6266442 DOI: 10.3390/v10110616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The virulent phage ST32 that infects the Escherichiacoli strain ST130 was isolated from a wastewater sample in China and analyzed. Morphological observations showed that phage ST32 belongs to the Myoviridae family, as it has an icosahedral capsid and long contractile tail. Host range analysis showed that it exhibits a broad range of hosts including non-pathogenic and pathogenic E. coli strains. Interestingly, phage ST32 had a much larger burst size when amplified at 20 °C as compared to 30 °C or 37 °C. Its double-stranded DNA genome was sequenced and found to contain 53,092 bp with a GC content of 44.14%. Seventy-nine open reading frames (ORFs) were identified and annotated as well as a tRNA-Arg. Only nineteen ORFs were assigned putative functions. A phylogenetic tree using the large terminase subunit revealed a close relatedness with four unclassified Myoviridae phages. A comparative genomic analysis of these phages showed that the Enterobacteria phage phiEcoM-GJ1 is the closest relative to ST32 and shares the same new branch in the phylogenetic tree. Still, these two phages share only 47 of 79 ORFs with more than 90% identity. Phage ST32 has unique characteristics that make it a potential biological control agent under specific conditions.
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Litt PK, Saha J, Jaroni D. Characterization of Bacteriophages Targeting Non-O157 Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli. J Food Prot 2018; 81:785-794. [PMID: 29624104 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-17-460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-O157 Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) are an important group of foodborne pathogens, implicated in several outbreaks and recalls in the past 2 decades. It is therefore crucial to devise effective control strategies against these pathogens. Bacteriophages present an attractive alternative to conventional pathogen control methods in the food industry. Bacteriophages, targeting non-O157 STEC (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145), were isolated from beef cattle operations in Oklahoma. Their host range and lytic ability were determined against several ( n = 21) non-O157 STEC isolates, by using the spot-on-lawn assay. Isolated phages were purified, and their morphology was determined under a transmission electron microscope. Infection kinetics of selected phages ( n = 19), particularly adsorption rate, rise period, latent period, and burst size, were determined. Phages were also evaluated for stability at a wide pH range (1 to 11) and temperature range (-80 to 90°C). In total, 45 phages were isolated and classified into Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, or Tectiviridae. The phages had a latent period between 8 and 37 min, a rise period between 19 and 40 min, and a large burst size (12 to 794 virions per infected cell), indicating high lytic activity. Tested phages were stable at pH 5 to 9 for 24 h, whereas a decrease in phage titer was observed at pHs 1, 2, and 11. Phages were stable at 40 and 60°C, except for O103-specific phages. At 70°C, all the phages lost viability after 20 min, except three phages targeting O26 and O121 and one phage targeting O45 and O111 STEC, which remained viable for 60 min. All the phages lost activity after 10 min at 90°C, except one each of O26 and O121 STEC-infecting phages that remained viable for 60 min. Phages remained stable for 90 days under refrigerated (4°C) and frozen (-20 and -80°C) storage. Characterization of phages, targeting diverse non-O157 STEC serotypes, could help in the development of effective biocontrol strategies for this group of pathogens in the food industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pushpinder Kaur Litt
- Food and Agricultural Products Center and Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075, USA (ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2673-0728 [P.K.L.]; http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7994-0550 [D.J.])
| | - Joyjit Saha
- Food and Agricultural Products Center and Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075, USA (ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2673-0728 [P.K.L.]; http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7994-0550 [D.J.])
| | - Divya Jaroni
- Food and Agricultural Products Center and Department of Animal Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075, USA (ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2673-0728 [P.K.L.]; http://orcid.org/0000-0002-7994-0550 [D.J.])
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Hoai TD, Mitomi K, Nishiki I, Yoshida T. A lytic bacteriophage of the newly emerging rainbow trout pathogen Weissella ceti. Virus Res 2018; 247:34-39. [PMID: 29408663 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to isolate and characterize a bacteriophage of a newly emerging pathogen, Weissella ceti, which causes weissellosis outbreaks of intensively farmed rainbow trout worldwide. The phage appeared together with the cultured Weissella ceti during isolation of pathogen from kidney of diseased rainbow trout. The morphological, physiological, proteomic and lytic spectrum were characterized. This phage, named PWc, belonged to the family Siphoviridae and possessed an isometric head (approximately 65 nm in diameter) and a flexible, non-contractile tail of 170-180 nm in length. The latent time and burst size of PWc were approximately 25 min and 16 PFU/infected cells, respectively. The PWc was relatively stable over a wide range of temperatures and pH values and possessed a broad lytic spectrum, lysing all 36 tested W. ceti strains isolated from diseased rainbow trout in Japan. The protein profile of the phage was obtained using SDS-PAGE analysis, and the potential packaging strategy was determined based on terminase large subunit sequence analysis. This is the first study to investigate a lytic bacteriophage of a newly emerging pathogen W. ceti that causes infectious disease in rainbow trout.
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Affiliation(s)
- Truong Dinh Hoai
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Gakuen Kibanadai Nishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan; Faculty of Fisheries, Vietnam National University of Agriculture, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Kyoka Mitomi
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Gakuen Kibanadai Nishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
| | - Issei Nishiki
- Research Center for Bioinformatics and Biosciences, National Research Institute of Fisheries Science, Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency, 2-14-4 Fukuura, Kanazawa, Yokohama 236-8648, Japan.
| | - Terutoyo Yoshida
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Miyazaki, Gakuen Kibanadai Nishi 1-1, Miyazaki 889-2192, Japan
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Kampmeier S, Berger M, Mellmann A, Karch H, Berger P. The 2011 German Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia Coli O104:H4 Outbreak-The Danger Is Still Out There. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2018; 416:117-148. [PMID: 30062592 DOI: 10.1007/82_2018_107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) are Shiga toxin (Stx) producing bacteria causing a disease characterized by bloody (or non-bloody) diarrhea, which might progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). EHEC O104:H4 caused the largest ever recorded EHEC outbreak in Germany in 2011, which in addition showed the so far highest incidence rate of EHEC-related HUS worldwide. The aggressive outbreak strain carries an unusual combination of virulence traits characteristic to both EHEC-a chromosomally integrated Stx-encoding bacteriophage, and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli-pAA plasmid-encoded aggregative adherence fimbriae mediating its tight adhesion to epithelia cells. There are currently still open questions regarding the 2011 EHEC outbreak, e.g., with respect to the exact molecular mechanisms resulting in the hypervirulence of the strain, the natural reservoir of EHEC O104:H4, and suitable therapeutic strategies. Nevertheless, our knowledge on these issues has substantially expanded since 2011. Here, we present an overview of the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological, and molecular biological data available on the 2011 German EHEC O104:H4 outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | | | - Helge Karch
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Petya Berger
- Institute of Hygiene, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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Lin DM, Koskella B, Lin HC. Phage therapy: An alternative to antibiotics in the age of multi-drug resistance. World J Gastrointest Pharmacol Ther 2017; 8:162-173. [PMID: 28828194 PMCID: PMC5547374 DOI: 10.4292/wjgpt.v8.i3.162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 528] [Impact Index Per Article: 75.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The practice of phage therapy, which uses bacterial viruses (phages) to treat bacterial infections, has been around for almost a century. The universal decline in the effectiveness of antibiotics has generated renewed interest in revisiting this practice. Conventionally, phage therapy relies on the use of naturally-occurring phages to infect and lyse bacteria at the site of infection. Biotechnological advances have further expanded the repertoire of potential phage therapeutics to include novel strategies using bioengineered phages and purified phage lytic proteins. Current research on the use of phages and their lytic proteins against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, suggests phage therapy has the potential to be used as either an alternative or a supplement to antibiotic treatments. Antibacterial therapies, whether phage- or antibiotic-based, each have relative advantages and disadvantages; accordingly, many considerations must be taken into account when designing novel therapeutic approaches for preventing and treating bacterial infection. Although much about phages and human health is still being discovered, the time to take phage therapy serious again seems to be rapidly approaching.
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Abstract
Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of the Escherichia coli myophage vB_EcoM_Alf5 belonging to the genus Felixo1virus, whose members have not been comprehensively studied at the molecular level. Phage vB_EcoM_Alf5 infects E. coli K-12-derived laboratory strains and therefore is well suited for functional studies.
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Li Z, Li X, Zhang J, Wang X, Wang L, Cao Z, Xu Y. Use of phages to control Vibrio splendidus infection in the juvenile sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 54:302-311. [PMID: 27108378 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
In the present study, we isolated 3 bacteriophages with the ability to control Vibrio splendidus, a bacterium known to cause disease in the juvenile sea cucumber. These bacteriophages were designated as vB_VspS_VS-ABTNL-1 (PVS-1), vB_VspS_VS-ABTNL-2 (PVS-2) and vB_VspS_VS-ABTNL-3 (PVS-3). The ability of the 3 phages to inhibit the growth of V. splendidus VS-ABTNL was tested in vitro using each of the 3 phages individually or in the form of a cocktail of all 3 phages in the proportion of 1:1:1. All treated cultures produced a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of growth of V. splendidus VS-ABTNL compared with untreated V. splendidus VS-ABTNL with the cocktail being superior to any of the 3 phages used individually. The lytic capability of the 3 phages was subsequently determined with a Spot Assay Technique performed with 4 isolates of V. splendidus, 3 other Vibrio species and 2 environmental isolates. Both PVS-1 and PVS-2 were lytic to all 4 isolates of V. splendidus while PVS-3 only inhibited the growth of 3 of them. V. splendidus VS-ABTNL was more susceptible to phage PVS-2 than the other 2 phages. In an in vivo performance trial, 360 sea cucumbers (23 ± 2 g) were randomly assigned to 1 of 6 treatments. Each treatment was housed in 3 PVC tanks (38 cm × 54 cm × 80 cm) with 20 sea cucumbers per tank. Six diets were prepared including an unsupplemented control diet, antibiotic treatment diet, 3 diets containing 1 of the 3 phages individually and a diet containing a cocktail of all 3 phages. After 60 days of feeding, all sea cucumber were challenged with V. splendidus VS-ABTNL by immersion in sea water containing a bacterial concentration of 6 × 10(6) CFU/mL for 2 days. The survival rate of sea cucumbers during the next 10 days was 18% for the unsupplemented diet, 82% for the antibiotic treatment, 82% for the phage cocktail, 65% for phage PVS-1, 58% for phage PVS-2 and 50% for phage PVS-3. There were no significant differences in weight gain, ingestion rate or feed conversion among sea cucumber fed the 4 phage treatments compared with those fed the unsupplemented diet (P > 0.05). The levels of nitric oxide synthase and acid phosphatase of sea cucumbers fed phage-containing diets were significantly (P < 0.05) increased compared with those fed the control diet. However, no significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected among the 4 phage-fed treatments. An additional study was conducted in which 60 healthy sea cucumbers (23 ± 2 g) were randomly assigned to a control, an untreated group and a test group to investigate the effects of injecting phages by coelomic injection on the survival rate and enzyme activities in the coelomic fluid of the sea cucumbers. The control was injected with 1 ml of sterilized seawater while the untreated group and the test group were injected with the same volume of V. splendidus-ABTNL culture (3 × 10(5) CFU/mL). Then, the test group was injected with 1 ml of the 3 phage cocktail (MOI = 10). After 48 h, the activities of lysozyme, acid phosphatase and superoxide dismutase were elevated in the untreated group while the levels of these enzymes in the test group were similar to the blank control. After 10-day observation, the survival rate of the sea cucumber was 100% for the blank control, 80% for the test group and 20% for the negative control. The overall results of this experiment indicate that phage therapy increased the survival of sea cucumber infected with V. splendidus VS-ABTNL. The above results demonstrate that using phages, especially a combination of different phages, may be a feasible way to control Vibrio infection in the sea cucumber industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Li
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiancheng Zhang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Xitao Wang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Wang
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenhui Cao
- Faculty of Animal Science and Technology, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongping Xu
- School of Life Science and Biotechnology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116024, People's Republic of China; Ministry of Education Center for Food Safety of Animal Origin, Dalian 116600, People's Republic of China.
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Liu H, Meng R, Wang J, Niu YD, Li J, Stanford K, McAllister TA. Inactivation of Escherichia coli O157 Bacteriophages by Using a Mixture of Ferrous Sulfate and Tea Extract. J Food Prot 2015; 78:2220-6. [PMID: 26613917 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophages (phages) have been used for biocontrol of Escherichia coli O157 and other pathogenic bacteria in many different matrices and foods, but few studies have included inactivation of residual phages in culture medium before plating and enumeration of surviving host bacteria for the assessment of phage efficacy. This oversight may lead to overestimation of phage efficacy. The ability of virucidal solution containing a mixture of ferrous sulfate [iron(II) sulfate, FeSO4] and tea extract [Fe(II)T] to inactivate residual T5-like, T1-like, T4-like, and rV5-like phages was assessed using E. coli O157 as the host. At concentrations of ≥10 mM FeSO4, all phages were not detected after 20 min in a broth culture model. Compared with the virucidal solution-free samples (1 to 96% recovery), Fe(II)T (10 mM FeSO4 plus 15% tea extract) recovered a greater (P < 0.01) number of E. coli O157 from phage-treated broth culture (97 to 100% recovery) and beef samples (52 to 100% recovery). Moreover, with the addition of Fe(II)T, the number of bacteria surviving after exposure to T5-like or T4-like phages was greater (P < 0.01) than that after exposure to T1-like or rV5-like phages. Consequently, use of a virucide for phage inactivation is recommended to improve the accuracy of evaluations of phage efficacy for biocontrol of E. coli O157.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- China Institute of Food and Drug Control, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China, 010020; Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1; Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, College of Animal Science, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China 010018
| | - Ruiqiang Meng
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, College of Animal Science, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China 010018
| | - Jiaying Wang
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1; College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China 510642
| | - Yan D Niu
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4V6.
| | - Jinquan Li
- Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, College of Animal Science, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, People's Republic of China 010018
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, Agriculture Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4V6
| | - Tim A McAllister
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4B1
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Incomplete LPS Core-Specific Felix01-Like Virus vB_EcoM_VpaE1. Viruses 2015; 7:6163-81. [PMID: 26633460 PMCID: PMC4690856 DOI: 10.3390/v7122932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 11/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages represent a valuable source for studying the mechanisms underlying virus-host interactions. A better understanding of the host-specificity of viruses at the molecular level can promote various phage applications, including bacterial diagnostics, antimicrobial therapeutics, and improve methods in molecular biology. In this study, we describe the isolation and characterization of a novel coliphage, vB_EcoM_VpaE1, which has different host specificity than its relatives. Morphology studies, coupled with the results of genomic and proteomic analyses, indicate that vB_EcoM_VpaE1 belongs to the newly proposed genus Felix01likevirus in the family Myoviridae. The genus Felix01likevirus comprises a group of highly similar phages that infect O-antigen-expressing Salmonella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. Phage vB_EcoM_VpaE1 differs from the rest of Felix01-like viruses, since it infects O-antigen-deficient E. coli strains with an incomplete core lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We show that vB_EcoM_VpaE1 can infect mutants of E. coli that contain various truncations in their LPS, and can even recognize LPS that is truncated down to the inner-core oligosaccharide, showing potential for the control of rough E. coli strains, which usually emerge as resistant mutants upon infection by O-Ag-specific phages. Furthermore, VpaE1 can replicate in a wide temperature range from 9 to 49 °C, suggesting that this virus is well adapted to harsh environmental conditions. Since the structural proteins of such phages tend to be rather robust, the receptor-recognizing proteins of VpaE1 are an attractive tool for application in glycan analysis, bacterial diagnostics and antimicrobial therapeutics.
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Complete Genome Sequence of Citrobacter freundii Myophage Michonne. GENOME ANNOUNCEMENTS 2015; 3:3/5/e01134-15. [PMID: 26430047 PMCID: PMC4591319 DOI: 10.1128/genomea.01134-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Citrobacter freundii is a Gram-negative opportunistic pathogen that causes dangerous infections such as neonatal meningitis. C. freundii also harbors antibiotic resistance, making phages infecting this host valuable tools. Here, we announce the complete genome of the C. freundii FelixO1-like myophage Michonne and describe its notable features.
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Liu H, Niu Y, Meng R, Wang J, Li J, Johnson R, McAllister T, Stanford K. Control of Escherichia coli O157 on beef at 37, 22 and 4 °C by T5-, T1-, T4-and O1-like bacteriophages. Food Microbiol 2015; 51:69-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Wang J, Niu YD, Chen J, Anany H, Ackermann HW, Johnson RP, Ateba CN, Stanford K, McAllister TA. Feces of feedlot cattle contain a diversity of bacteriophages that lyse non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Can J Microbiol 2015; 61:467-75. [PMID: 26011668 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2015-0163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to isolate and characterize bacteriophages that lyse non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from cattle feces. Of 37 non-O157 STEC-infecting phages isolated, those targeting O26 (AXO26A, AYO26A, AYO26B), O103 (AXO103A, AYO103A), O111 (AXO111A, AYO111A), O121 (AXO121A, AXO121B), and O145 (AYO145A, AYO145B) were further characterized. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the 11 isolates belonged to 3 families and 6 genera: the families Myoviridae (types rV5, T4, ViI, O1), Siphoviridae (type T5), and Podoviridae (type T7). Genome size of the phages as determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis ranged from 38 to 177 kb. Excluding phages AXO26A, AYO103A, AYO145A, and AYO145B, all other phages were capable of lysing more than 1 clinically important strain from serogroups of O26, O91, O103, O111, O113, O121, and O128, but none exhibited infectivity across all serogroups. Moreover, phages AYO26A, AXO121A, and AXO121B were also able to lyse 4 common phage types of STEC O157:H7. Our findings show that a diversity of non-O157 STEC-infecting phages are harbored in bovine feces. Phages AYO26A, AYO26B, AXO103A, AXO111A, AYO111A, AXO121A, and AXO121B exhibited a broad host range against a number of serogroups of STEC and have potential for the biocontrol of STEC in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Wang
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, People's Republic of China.,c Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Yan D Niu
- b Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V6, Canada
| | - Jinding Chen
- a College of Veterinary Medicine, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, People's Republic of China
| | - Hany Anany
- d Department of Food Science, Canadian Research Institute for Food Safety, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.,e Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hans-W Ackermann
- f Département de microbiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Roger P Johnson
- g Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Public Health Agency of Canada, Guelph, ON N1G 3W4, Canada
| | - Collins N Ateba
- h Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture Science and Technology, North West University-Mafikeng Campus, North West, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa
| | - Kim Stanford
- b Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V6, Canada
| | - Tim A McAllister
- c Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
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Rahal EA, Fadlallah SM, Nassar FJ, Kazzi N, Matar GM. Approaches to treatment of emerging Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli infections highlighting the O104:H4 serotype. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2015; 5:24. [PMID: 25853096 PMCID: PMC4364364 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2015.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are a group of diarrheagenic bacteria associated with foodborne outbreaks. Infection with these agents may result in grave sequelae that include fatality. A large number of STEC serotypes has been identified to date. E. coli serotype O104:H4 is an emerging pathogen responsible for a 2011 outbreak in Europe that resulted in over 4000 infections and 50 deaths. STEC pathogenicity is highly reliant on the production of one or more Shiga toxins that can inhibit protein synthesis in host cells resulting in a cytotoxicity that may affect various organ systems. Antimicrobials are usually avoided in the treatment of STEC infections since they are believed to induce bacterial cell lysis and the release of stored toxins. Some antimicrobials have also been reported to enhance toxin synthesis and production from these organisms. Various groups have attempted alternative treatment approaches including the administration of toxin-directed antibodies, toxin-adsorbing polymers, probiotic agents and natural remedies. The utility of antibiotics in treating STEC infections has also been reconsidered in recent years with certain modalities showing promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias A Rahal
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sukayna M Fadlallah
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Farah J Nassar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Natalie Kazzi
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ghassan M Matar
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut Beirut, Lebanon
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Crossland WL, Callaway TR, Tedeschi LO. Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli and Ruminant Diets. Food Saf (Tokyo) 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-800245-2.00010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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38
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Characterization and application of phages isolated from sewage for reduction of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in biofilm. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Munns KD, Selinger LB, Stanford K, Guan L, Callaway TR, McAllister TA. Perspectives on super-shedding of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by cattle. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2014; 12:89-103. [PMID: 25514549 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2014.1829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a foodborne pathogen that causes illness in humans worldwide. Cattle are the primary reservoir of this bacterium, with the concentration and frequency of E. coli O157:H7 shedding varying greatly among individuals. The term "super-shedder" has been applied to cattle that shed concentrations of E. coli O157:H7 ≥ 10⁴ colony-forming units/g feces. Super-shedders have been reported to have a substantial impact on the prevalence and transmission of E. coli O157:H7 in the environment. The specific factors responsible for super-shedding are unknown, but are presumably mediated by characteristics of the bacterium, animal host, and environment. Super-shedding is sporadic and inconsistent, suggesting that biofilms of E. coli O157:H7 colonizing the intestinal epithelium in cattle are intermittently released into feces. Phenotypic and genotypic differences have been noted in E. coli O157:H7 recovered from super-shedders as compared to low-shedding cattle, including differences in phage type (PT21/28), carbon utilization, degree of clonal relatedness, tir polymorphisms, and differences in the presence of stx2a and stx2c, as well as antiterminator Q gene alleles. There is also some evidence to support that the native fecal microbiome is distinct between super-shedders and low-shedders and that low-shedders have higher levels of lytic phage within feces. Consequently, conditions within the host may determine whether E. coli O157:H7 can proliferate sufficiently for the host to obtain super-shedding status. Targeting super-shedders for mitigation of E. coli O157:H7 has been proposed as a means of reducing the incidence and spread of this pathogen to the environment. If super-shedders could be easily identified, strategies such as bacteriophage therapy, probiotics, vaccination, or dietary inclusion of plant secondary compounds could be specifically targeted at this subpopulation. Evidence that super-shedder isolates share a commonality with isolates linked to human illness makes it imperative that the etiology of this phenomenon be characterized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krysty D Munns
- 1 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre , Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
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40
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Peng F, Mi Z, Huang Y, Yuan X, Niu W, Wang Y, Hua Y, Fan H, Bai C, Tong Y. Characterization, sequencing and comparative genomic analysis of vB_AbaM-IME-AB2, a novel lytic bacteriophage that infects multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates. BMC Microbiol 2014; 14:181. [PMID: 24996449 PMCID: PMC4094691 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2180-14-181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, immunosuppressive drugs, and glucocorticoids, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) has become a major nosocomial pathogen species. The recent renaissance of bacteriophage therapy may provide new treatment strategies for combatting drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, we isolated a lytic bacteriophage vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 has a short latent period and a small burst size, which clear its host's suspension quickly, was selected for characterization and a complete genomic comparative study. RESULTS The isolated bacteriophage vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 has an icosahedral head and displays morphology resembling Myoviridae family. Gel separation assays showed that the phage particle contains at least nine protein bands with molecular weights ranging 15-100 kDa. vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 could adsorb its host cells in 9 min with an adsorption rate more than 99% and showed a short latent period (20 min) and a small burst size (62 pfu/cell). It could form clear plaques in the double-layer assay and clear its host's suspension in just 4 hours. Whole genome of vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 was sequenced and annotated and the results showed that its genome is a double-stranded DNA molecule consisting of 43,665 nucleotides. The genome has a G + C content of 37.5% and 82 putative coding sequences (CDSs). We compared the characteristics and complete genome sequence of all known Acinetobacter baumannii bacteriophages. There are only three that have been sequenced Acinetobacter baumannii phages AB1, AP22, and phiAC-1, which have a relatively high similarity and own a coverage of 65%, 50%, 8% respectively when compared with our phage vB_AbaM-IME-AB2. A nucleotide alignment of the four Acinetobacter baumannii phages showed that some CDSs are similar, with no significant rearrangements observed. Yet some sections of these strains of phage are nonhomologous. CONCLUSION vB_AbaM-IME-AB2 was a novel and unique A. baumannii bacteriophage. These findings suggest a common ancestry and microbial diversity and evolution. A clear understanding of its characteristics and genes is conducive to the treatment of multidrug-resistant A. baumannii in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Changqing Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing 100071, China.
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41
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Niu YD, McAllister TA, Nash JHE, Kropinski AM, Stanford K. Four Escherichia coli O157:H7 phages: a new bacteriophage genus and taxonomic classification of T1-like phages. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100426. [PMID: 24963920 PMCID: PMC4070988 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The T1-like bacteriophages vB_EcoS_AHP24, AHS24, AHP42 and AKS96 of the family Siphoviridae were shown to lyse common phage types of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7), but not non-O157 E. coli. All contained circularly permuted genomes of 45.7–46.8 kb (43.8–44 mol% G+C) encoding 74–81 open reading frames and 1 arginyl-tRNA. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the structural proteins were identical among the four phages. Further proteomic analysis identified seven structural proteins responsible for tail fiber, tail tape measure protein, major capsid, portal protein as well as major and minor tail proteins. Bioinformatic analyses on the proteins revealed that genomes of AHP24, AHS24, AHP42 and AKS96 did not encode for bacterial virulence factors, integration-related proteins or antibiotic resistance determinants. All four phages were highly lytic to STEC O157:H7 with considerable potential as biocontrol agents. Comparative genomic, proteomic and phylogenetic analysis suggested that the four phages along with 17 T1-like phage genomes from database of National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) can be assigned into a proposed subfamily “Tunavirinae” with further classification into five genera, namely “Tlslikevirus” (TLS, FSL SP-126), “Kp36likevirus” (KP36, F20), Tunalikevirus (T1, ADB-2 and Shf1), “Rtplikevirus” (RTP, vB_EcoS_ACG-M12) and “Jk06likevirus” (JK06, vB_EcoS_Rogue1, AHP24, AHS24, AHP42, AKS96, phiJLA23, phiKP26, phiEB49). The fact that the viruses related to JK06 have been isolated independently in Israel (JK06) (GenBank Assession #, NC_007291), Canada (vB_EcoS_Rogue1, AHP24, AHS24, AHP42, AKS96) and Mexico (phiKP26, phiJLA23) (between 2005 and 2011) indicates that these similar phages are widely distributed, and that horizontal gene transfer does not always prevent the characterization of bacteriophage evolution. With this new scheme, any new discovered phages with same type can be more properly identified. Genomic- and proteomic- based taxonomic classification of phages would facilitate better understanding phages diversity and genetic traits involved in phage evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan D. Niu
- Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Agriculture Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (YDN); (KS)
| | - Tim A. McAllister
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
| | - John H. E. Nash
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew M. Kropinski
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Laboratory for Foodborne Zoonoses, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Agriculture Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail: (YDN); (KS)
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42
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Bach SJ, Cook SR, Wang Y, Stanford K, Johnson R, McAllister TA. Short Communication:Escherichia coliO157 bacteriophages: lytic activity and effects on fermentation in ruminal batch culture. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2012. [DOI: 10.4141/cjas2012-084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Bach, S. J., Cook, S. R., Wang, Y., Stanford, K., Johnson, R. P. and McAllister, T. A. 2012. Short Communication: Escherichia coli O157 bacteriophages: lytic activity and effects on fermentation in ruminal batch culture. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 545–550. The effect of three lytic Escherichia coli O157, rV5, wV8 and wV11 on in vitro pH, gas production and dry matter disappearance in bovine ruminal cultures were assessed. None of the bacteriophages altered any of the measured parameters in ruminal fluid from concentrate or forage-fed animals. All bacteriophages were able to persist in ruminal fluid from forage and concentrate-fed cattle over a 24-h period; however, lytic activity against E. coli O157:H7 in ruminal batch cultures was not evident.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. J. Bach
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Pacific Agri-Food Research Centre, Summerland, British Columbia, Canada V0H 1Z0
| | - S. R. Cook
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada 1J 4B1
| | - Y. Wang
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada 1J 4B1
| | - K. Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Agriculture Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1J 4V6
| | - R. Johnson
- Public Health Agency of Canada, 110 Stone Road West, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 3W4
| | - T. A. McAllister
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge Research Centre, P.O. Box 3000, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada 1J 4B1
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43
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Bacteriophage vB_EcoM_FV3: a new member of "rV5-like viruses". Arch Virol 2012; 157:2431-5. [PMID: 22907825 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-012-1449-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A proposed new genus of the family Myoviridae, "rV5-like viruses", includes two lytic bacteriophages: Escherichia coli O157: H7-specific bacteriophage rV5 and Salmonella phage PVP-SE1. Here, we present basic properties and genomic characterization of a novel rV5-like phage, vB_EcoM_FV3, which infects E. coli K-12-derived laboratory strains and replicates at high temperature (up to 47 °C). The 136,947-bp genome of vB_EcoM_FV3 contains 218 open reading frames and encodes 5 tRNAs. The genomic content and organization of vB_EcoM_FV3 is more similar to that of rV5 than to PVP-SE1, but all three phages share similar morphological characteristics and form a homogeneous phage group.
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44
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Zhang Y, Hu Z. Combined treatment ofPseudomonas aeruginosabiofilms with bacteriophages and chlorine. Biotechnol Bioeng 2012; 110:286-95. [DOI: 10.1002/bit.24630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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45
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Niu YD, Stanford K, Ackermann HW, McAllister TA. Characterization of 4 T1-like lytic bacteriophages that lyse Shiga-toxin Escherichia coli O157:H7. Can J Microbiol 2012; 58:923-7. [DOI: 10.1139/w2012-063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Bacteriophages are associated with reduced fecal shedding of Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7) in cattle. Four phages exhibiting activity against 12 of 14 STEC O157:H7 strains, representing 11 common phage types, were isolated. Phages did not lyse non-O157 E. coli, with 11 of the 12 STEC strains exhibiting extreme susceptibility (average multiplicity of infection (MOI) = 0.0003−0.0007). All phages had icosahedral heads with tapered, noncontractile tails, a morphology indicative of T1-like Siphoviridae. Genome size of all phages was ∼44 kb, but EcoRІ or HindIII digestion profiles differed among phages. Based on restriction enzyme digestion profiles, phages AHP24, AHS24, and AHP42 were more related (66.7%−82.4%) to each other than to AKS96, while AHP24 and AHS24, isolated from the same feedlot pen, exhibited the highest identity (88.9%−92.3%). Phages AHP24 and AHS24 exhibited the broadest host range and strongest lytic activity against STEC O157:H7, making them strong candidates for biocontrol of this bacterium in cattle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan D. Niu
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
| | - Kim Stanford
- Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, Agriculture Centre, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V6, Canada
| | - Hans-W. Ackermann
- Département de microbiologie, Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC G1K 7P4, Canada
| | - Tim A. McAllister
- Lethbridge Research Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B1, Canada
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46
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Genomic, proteomic and physiological characterization of a T5-like bacteriophage for control of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7. PLoS One 2012; 7:e34585. [PMID: 22514640 PMCID: PMC3326045 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0034585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite multiple control measures, Escherichia coli O157:H7 (STEC O157:H7) continues to be responsible for many food borne outbreaks in North America and elsewhere. Bacteriophage therapy may prove useful for controlling this pathogen in the host, their environment and food. Bacteriophage vB_EcoS_AKFV33 (AKFV33), a T5-like phage of Siphoviridae lysed common phage types of STEC O157:H7 and not non-O157 E. coli. Moreover, STEC O157:H7 isolated from the same feedlot pen from which the phage was obtained, were highly susceptible to AKFV33. Adsorption rate constant and burst size were estimated to be 9.31 × 10(-9) ml/min and 350 PFU/infected cell, respectively. The genome of AKVF33 was 108,853 bp (38.95% G+C), containing 160 open reading frames (ORFs), 22 tRNA genes and 32 strong promoters recognized by host RNA polymerase. Of 12 ORFs without homologues to T5-like phages, 7 predicted novel proteins while others exhibited low identity (<60%) to proteins in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information database. AKVF33 also lacked the L-shaped tail fiber protein typical of T5, but was predicted to have tail fibers comprised of 2 novel proteins with low identity (37-41%) to tail fibers of E. coli phage phiEco32 of Podoviridae, a putative side tail fiber protein of a prophage from E. coli IAI39 and a conserved domain protein of E. coli MS196-1. The receptor-binding tail protein (pb5) shared an overall identify of 29-72% to that of other T5-like phages, with no region coding for more than 6 amino acids in common. Proteomic analysis identified 4 structural proteins corresponding to the capsid, major tail, tail fiber and pore-forming tail tip (pb2). The genome of AKFV33 lacked regions coding for known virulence factors, integration-related proteins or antibiotic resistance determinants. Phage AKFV33 is a unique, highly lytic STEC O157:H7-specific T5-like phage that may have considerable potential as a pre- and post-harvest biocontrol agent.
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47
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Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef cattle: on farm contamination and pre-slaughter control methods. Anim Health Res Rev 2012; 12:197-211. [PMID: 22152293 DOI: 10.1017/s1466252311000132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper addresses food safety in beef cattle production, with particular emphasis on factors that affect the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in beef cattle and on control methods that have been investigated. Product recalls and foodborne diseases due to this organism continue to occur even though control measures have been under investigation for over 20 years. Most meatborne outbreaks are due to improper food handling practices and consumption of undercooked meat. However, the majority of pathogenic bacteria that can spread at slaughter by cross-contamination can be traced back to the farm rather than originating from the slaughter plant. This would ideally require the adoption of rigorous on-farm intervention strategies to mitigate risks at the farm level. On-farm strategies to control and reduce E. coli O157:H7 at the farm level will reduce the risk of carcass contamination at slaughter and processing facilities although they will not eliminate E. coli O157:H7. The most successful strategy for reducing the risk of contamination of beef and beef products will involve the implementation of both pre- and post-harvest measures.
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48
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Liao WC, Ng WV, Lin IH, Syu WJ, Liu TT, Chang CH. T4-Like genome organization of the Escherichia coli O157:H7 lytic phage AR1. J Virol 2011; 85:6567-78. [PMID: 21507986 PMCID: PMC3126482 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02378-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2010] [Accepted: 04/04/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the genome organization and analysis of the first completely sequenced T4-like phage, AR1, of Escherichia coli O157:H7. Unlike most of the other sequenced phages of O157:H7, which belong to the temperate Podoviridae and Siphoviridae families, AR1 is a T4-like phage known to efficiently infect this pathogenic bacterial strain. The 167,435-bp AR1 genome is currently the largest among all the sequenced E. coli O157:H7 phages. It carries a total of 281 potential open reading frames (ORFs) and 10 putative tRNA genes. Of these, 126 predicted proteins could be classified into six viral orthologous group categories, with at least 18 proteins of the structural protein category having been detected by tandem mass spectrometry. Comparative genomic analysis of AR1 and four other completely sequenced T4-like genomes (RB32, RB69, T4, and JS98) indicated that they share a well-organized and highly conserved core genome, particularly in the regions encoding DNA replication and virion structural proteins. The major diverse features between these phages include the modules of distal tail fibers and the types and numbers of internal proteins, tRNA genes, and mobile elements. Codon usage analysis suggested that the presence of AR1-encoded tRNAs may be relevant to the codon usage of structural proteins. Furthermore, protein sequence analysis of AR1 gp37, a potential receptor binding protein, indicated that eight residues in the C terminus are unique to O157:H7 T4-like phages AR1 and PP01. These residues are known to be located in the T4 receptor recognition domain, and they may contribute to specificity for adsorption to the O157:H7 strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Chao Liao
- Department of Biotechnology and Laboratory Science in Medicine
| | | | | | - Wan-Jr Syu
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology
| | - Tze-Tze Liu
- Genome Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Hsiung Chang
- Center for Systems and Synthetic Biology
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics
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49
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Viazis S, Akhtar M, Feirtag J, Brabban AD, Diez-Gonzalez F. Isolation and characterization of lytic bacteriophages against enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli. J Appl Microbiol 2011; 110:1323-31. [PMID: 21362115 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.04989.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The objective of this study was to isolate, identify and characterize a collection of lytic bacteriophages capable of infecting enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) serotypes. METHODS AND RESULTS Phages were isolated from dairy and cattle feedlot manure using E. coli O157, O26 and O111 strains as hosts. Phages were enriched from faecal slurries by culture in 10× trypticase soy broth at 37°C overnight. Phage plaques were obtained by mixing the filtered culture supernatant with molten tryptone agar containing the phage E. coli host strain, pouring the inoculated agar on top of cooled TS agar and incubating the culture overnight. Phages were purified from plaques and screened against additional E. coli and EHEC strains by the efficiency of plating method (EOP). Phage CEV2, and five other phages previously isolated, were able to lyse all of the 15 O157 strains tested with EOP values consistently above 0·001. Two phages were found to be highly effective against strains of E. coli O157 through EOP tests and against O26 strains through spot tests, but not against the O serogroup 111 strains. A cocktail of eight phage that lyse E. coli O157 strains resulted in >5 log CFU ml(-1) reductions at 37°C. Multiplex-PCR revealed that none of these eight phages carried stx1, stx2, hlyA or eaeA genes. CONCLUSIONS A cocktail of bacteriophages was capable of lysing most strains of two EHEC serotypes. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This collection of phages can be combined and potentially used as an antimicrobial cocktail to inactivate E. coli strains from O serogroups 157 and 26 and reduce their incidence in the food chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Viazis
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, USA
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50
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Kannan P, Yong HY, Reiman L, Cleaver C, Patel P, Bhagwat AA. Bacteriophage-Based Rapid and Sensitive Detection ofEscherichia coliO157:H7 Isolates from Ground Beef. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2010; 7:1551-8. [DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2010.0634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Porteen Kannan
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland
| | - Ho Yao Yong
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland
| | - Lucy Reiman
- Alaska Food Diagnostics, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | | | - Pradip Patel
- Alaska Food Diagnostics, Salisbury, United Kingdom
| | - Arvind A. Bhagwat
- Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Beltsville, Maryland
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