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Vitt AR, Sørensen AN, Bojer MS, Bortolaia V, Sørensen MCH, Brøndsted L. Diverse bacteriophages for biocontrol of ESBL- and AmpC-β-lactamase-producing E. coli. iScience 2024; 27:108826. [PMID: 38322997 PMCID: PMC10844046 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel solutions are needed to reduce the risk of transmission of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) and AmpC β-lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL/AmpC E. coli) from livestock to humans. Given that phages are promising biocontrol agents, a collection of 28 phages that infect ESBL/AmpC E. coli were established. Whole genome sequencing showed that all these phages were unique and could be assigned to 15 different genera. Host range analysis showed that 82% of 198 strains, representing the genetic diversity of ESBL/AmpC E. coli, were sensitive to at least one phage. Identifying receptors used for phage binding experimentally as well as in silico predictions, allowed us to combine phages into two different cocktails with broad host range targeting diverse receptors. These phage cocktails efficiently inhibit the growth of ESBL/AmpC E. coli in vitro, thus suggesting the potential of phages as promising biocontrol agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira R. Vitt
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Anders Nørgaard Sørensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Martin S. Bojer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Valeria Bortolaia
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Artillerivej 5, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Martine C. Holst Sørensen
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Stigbøjlen 4, 1870 Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Śliwka P, Skaradziński G, Dusza I, Grzywacz A, Skaradzińska A. Freeze-Drying of Encapsulated Bacteriophage T4 to Obtain Shelf-Stable Dry Preparations for Oral Application. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2792. [PMID: 38140132 PMCID: PMC10747124 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic application of bacterial viruses (phage therapy) has in recent years been rediscovered by many scientists, as a method which may potentially replace conventional antibacterial strategies. However, one of the main problems related to phage application is the stability of bacterial viruses. Though many techniques have been used to sustain phage activity, novel tools are needed to allow long-term phage storage and application in versatile forms. In this study, we combined two well-known methods for bacteriophage immobilization. First, encapsulated phages were obtained by means of extrusion-ionic gelation, and then alginate microspheres were dried using the lyophilization process (freeze-drying). To overcome the risk of phage instability upon dehydration, the microspheres were prepared with the addition of 0.3 M mannitol. Bacteriophage-loaded microspheres were stored at room temperature for 30 days and subsequently exposed to simulated gastric fluid (SGF). The survival of encapsulated phages after drying was significantly higher in the presence of mannitol. The highest number of viable bacteriophages exceeding 4.8 log10 pfu/mL in SGF were recovered from encapsulated and freeze-dried microspheres, while phages in lyophilized lysate were completely inactivated. Although the method requires optimization, it may be a promising approach for the immobilization of bacteriophages in terms of practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Aneta Skaradzińska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, 50-375 Wrocław, Poland (G.S.)
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Vitt AR, Sørensen MCH, Bortolaia V, Brøndsted L. A Representative Collection of Commensal Extended-Spectrum- and AmpC-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli of Animal Origin for Phage Sensitivity Studies. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:35-45. [PMID: 37214655 PMCID: PMC10196081 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2023.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and AmpC β-lactamase (AmpC)-producing Escherichia coli from livestock and meat represent a zoonotic risk and biocontrol solutions are needed to prevent transmission to humans. Methods In this study, we established a representative collection of animal-origin ESBL/AmpC E. coli as target to test the antimicrobial potential of bacteriophages. Results Bioinformatic analysis of whole-genome sequence data of 198 ESBL/AmpC E. coli from pigs, broilers, and broiler meat identified strains belonging to all known E. coli phylogroups and 65 multilocus sequence types. Various ESBL/AmpC genes and plasmid types were detected with expected source-specific patterns. Plaque assay using 15 phages previously isolated using the E. coli reference collection demonstrated that Warwickvirus phages showed the broadest host range, killing up to 26 strains. Conclusions 154/198 strains were resistant to infection by all phages tested, suggesting a need for isolating phages specific for ESBL/AmpC E. coli. The strain collection described in this study is a useful resource fulfilling such need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira R. Vitt
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
| | | | - Valeria Bortolaia
- Department of Bacteria, Parasites and Fungi, Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Lone Brøndsted
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederiksberg C, Denmark
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Songphasuk T, Imklin N, Sriprasong P, Woonwong Y, Nasanit R, Sajapitak S. Bacteriophage efficacy in controlling swine enteric colibacillosis pathogens: An in vitro study. Vet World 2022; 15:2822-2829. [PMID: 36718320 PMCID: PMC9880851 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2022.2822-2829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Swine enteric colibacillosis caused by Escherichia coli is a major problem in the swine industry, causing diarrhea among swine and resulting in substantial financial losses. However, efforts to counter this disease are impeded by the increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, so intensive research is being conducted to identify alternative treatments. This study isolated, characterized, and evaluated the efficacy of bacteriophages to control pathogens causative of swine enteric colibacillosis. Materials and Methods Five sewage samples were collected from different areas of a swine farm in Suphanburi province, Thailand and the bacteriophages were enriched and isolated, followed by purification by the agar overlay method using E. coli RENR as the host strain. The selected phages were characterized by evaluating their morphology, while their specificity was verified by the host range test. The efficiency of plating and multiplicity of infection (MOI) were also determined. Results Four selected phages, namely, vB_Eco-RPNE4i3, vB_Eco-RPNE6i4, vB_Eco-RPNE7i1, and vB_Eco-RPNE8i3, demonstrated different patterns of host range and phage efficiency. They significantly decreased E. coli concentration at the tested MOIs (0.01-100) from 1 h onward. However, bacterial regrowth was observed in all phage treatments. Conclusion This study shows the potential of using phages as an alternative treatment for swine enteric colibacillosis. The obtained results demonstrated that the selected phages had a therapeutic effect against pathogens causative of swine enteric colibacillosis. Therefore, phages could be applied as an alternative treatment to control specific bacterial strains and reduce AMR arising from the overuse of antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Techaphon Songphasuk
- Veterinary Clinical Study Program, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Napakhwan Imklin
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
| | - Pattaraporn Sriprasong
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand
| | - Yonlayong Woonwong
- Department of Farm Resources and Production Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
| | - Rujikan Nasanit
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Technology, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom 73000, Thailand,Corresponding authors: Rujikan Nasanit, e-mail: ; Somchai Sajapitak, e-mail: Co-authors: TS: , NI: , PS: , YW:
| | - Somchai Sajapitak
- Department of Large Animal and Wildlife Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom 73140, Thailand
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In Vitro Demonstration of Targeted Phage Therapy and Competitive Exclusion as a Novel Strategy for Decolonization of Extended-Spectrum-Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0227621. [PMID: 35254097 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02276-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant (ESC-R) Escherichia coli have disseminated in food-producing animals globally, attributed to horizontal transmission of blaCTX-M variants, as seen in the InCI1-blaCTX-M-1 plasmid. This ease of transmission, coupled with its demonstrated long-term persistence, presents a significant One Health antimicrobial resistance (AMR) risk. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a potential strategy in eliminating ESC-R E. coli in food-producing animals; however, it is hindered by the development of phage-resistant bacteria and phage biosafety concerns. Another alternative to antimicrobials is probiotics, with this study demonstrating that AMR-free commensal E. coli, termed competitive exclusion clones (CECs), can be used to competitively exclude ESC-R E. coli. This study isolated and characterized phages that lysed E. coli clones harboring the InCI1-blaCTX-M-1 plasmid, before investigation of the effect and synergy of phage therapy and competitive exclusion as a novel strategy for decolonizing ESC-resistant E. coli. In vitro testing demonstrated superiority in the combined therapy, reducing and possibly eliminating ESC-R E. coli through phage-mediated lysis coupled with simultaneous prevention of regrowth of phage-resistant mutants due to competitive exclusion with the CEC. Further investigation into this combined therapy in vivo is warranted, with on-farm application possibly reducing ESC-R prevalence, while constricting newly emergent ESC-R E. coli outbreaks prior to their dissemination throughout food-producing animals or humans. IMPORTANCE The emergence and global dissemination of resistance toward critically important antimicrobials, including extended-spectrum cephalosporins in the livestock sector, deepens the One Health threat of antimicrobial resistance. This resistance has the potential to disseminate to humans, directly or indirectly, nullifying these last lines of defense in life-threatening human infections. This study explores a novel strategy, the coadministration of bacteriophages (phages) and a competitive exclusion clone (antimicrobial-susceptible commensal E. coli), to revert an antimicrobial-resistant population to a susceptible population. While phage therapy is vulnerable to the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria, no phage-resistant bacteria emerged when a competitive exclusion clone was used in combination with the phage. Novel strategies that reduce the prevalence and slow the dissemination of extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in food-producing animals have the potential to extend the time frame in which antimicrobials remain available for effective use in animal and human health.
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Korf IHE, Kittler S, Bierbrodt A, Mengden R, Rohde C, Rohde M, Kroj A, Lehnherr T, Fruth A, Flieger A, Lehnherr H, Wittmann J. In Vitro Evaluation of a Phage Cocktail Controlling Infections with Escherichia coli. Viruses 2020; 12:v12121470. [PMID: 33352791 PMCID: PMC7768485 DOI: 10.3390/v12121470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, poultry industry suffers from infections caused by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli. Therapeutic failure due to resistant bacteria is of increasing concern and poses a threat to human and animal health. This causes a high demand to find alternatives to fight bacterial infections in animal farming. Bacteriophages are being especially considered for the control of multi-drug resistant bacteria due to their high specificity and lack of serious side effects. Therefore, the study aimed on characterizing phages and composing a phage cocktail suitable for the prevention of infections with E. coli. Six phages were isolated or selected from our collections and characterized individually and in combination with regard to host range, stability, reproduction, and efficacy in vitro. The cocktail consisting of six phages was able to inhibit formation of biofilms by some E. coli strains but not by all. Phage-resistant variants arose when bacterial cells were challenged with a single phage but not when challenged by a combination of four or six phages. Resistant variants arising showed changes in carbon metabolism and/or motility. Genomic comparison of wild type and phage-resistant mutant E28.G28R3 revealed a deletion of several genes putatively involved in phage adsorption and infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imke H. E. Korf
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hannover, Germany;
| | | | - Ruth Mengden
- Food Inspection, Animal Welfare and Veterinary Service of the Land of Bremen, Border Control Post Bremerhaven, Senator-Borttscheller-Straße 8, 27568 Bremerhaven, Germany;
| | - Christine Rohde
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
| | - Manfred Rohde
- Central Facility for Microscopy, Helmholtz-Centre for Infection Research (HZI), Inhoffenstraße 7, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany;
| | - Andrea Kroj
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Tatiana Lehnherr
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Angelika Fruth
- Robert Koch Institute, Burgstraße 37, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany; (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Antje Flieger
- Robert Koch Institute, Burgstraße 37, 38855 Wernigerode, Germany; (A.F.); (A.F.)
| | - Hansjörg Lehnherr
- PTC Phage Technology Center GmbH, Siemensstraße 42, 59199 Bönen, Germany; (A.K.); (T.L.); (H.L.)
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- Leibniz Institute DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures, Inhoffenstraße 7B, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (C.R.); (J.W.)
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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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Skaradzińska A, Ochocka M, Śliwka P, Kuźmińska-Bajor M, Skaradziński G, Friese A, Roschanski N, Murugaiyan J, Roesler U. Bacteriophage amplification - A comparison of selected methods. J Virol Methods 2020; 282:113856. [PMID: 32198027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jviromet.2020.113856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The bactericidal properties of bacteriophages have been used almost since the moment of the discovery of bacterial viruses. In the light of the rapidly growing number of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, phage therapy is considered one of the most promising alternatives to classical treatment. Phage amplification is one of the most common procedures of working with phages, and high-titer preparations are beneficial at the experimental stage of studies as well as in practice. The objective of this study was to compare five commonly applied methods of phage amplification: (i) pooled plaques method, (ii) the plate wash method, (iii) the agar culture method, (iv) the two-stage culture method, and (v) in liquid culture. All methods were tested for fifteen different phages. The results described herein indicate that there is no optimal, universal method for phage amplification, and the most effective method has to be established individually for each phage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Skaradzińska
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Marta Ochocka
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paulina Śliwka
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marta Kuźmińska-Bajor
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Skaradziński
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Anika Friese
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicole Roschanski
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jayaseelan Murugaiyan
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Roesler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Freie Universitaet Berlin, Robert-von-Ostertag-Strasse 7-13, 14163, Berlin, Germany
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