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Alipour-Khezri E, Skurnik M, Zarrini G. Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteriophages and Their Clinical Applications. Viruses 2024; 16:1051. [PMID: 39066214 PMCID: PMC11281547 DOI: 10.3390/v16071051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious risk to contemporary healthcare since it reduces the number of bacterial illnesses that may be treated with antibiotics, particularly for patients with long-term conditions like cystic fibrosis (CF). People with a genetic predisposition to CF often have recurrent bacterial infections in their lungs due to a buildup of sticky mucus, necessitating long-term antibiotic treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections are a major cause of CF lung illness, and P. aeruginosa airway isolates are frequently resistant to many antibiotics. Bacteriophages (also known as phages), viruses that infect bacteria, are a viable substitute for antimicrobials to treat P. aeruginosa infections in individuals with CF. Here, we reviewed the utilization of P. aeruginosa bacteriophages both in vivo and in vitro, as well as in the treatment of illnesses and diseases, and the outcomes of the latter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Alipour-Khezri
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51368, Iran;
| | - Mikael Skurnik
- Human Microbiome Research Program, and Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Gholamreza Zarrini
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51368, Iran;
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Group, University of Tabriz, Tabriz 51368, Iran
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2
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Garvey M. Hospital Acquired Sepsis, Disease Prevalence, and Recent Advances in Sepsis Mitigation. Pathogens 2024; 13:461. [PMID: 38921759 PMCID: PMC11206921 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13060461] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection, commonly associated with nosocomial transmission. Gram-negative bacterial species are particularly problematic due to the release of the lipopolysaccharide toxins upon cell death. The lipopolysaccharide toxin of E. coli has a greater immunogenic potential than that of other Gram-negative bacteria. The resultant dysregulation of the immune system is associated with organ failure and mortality, with pregnant women, ICU patients, and neonates being particularly vulnerable. Additionally, sepsis recovery patients have an increased risk of re-hospitalisation, chronic illness, co-morbidities, organ damage/failure, and a reduced life expectancy. The emergence and increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in bacterial and fungal species has impacted the treatment of sepsis patients, leading to increasing mortality rates. Multidrug resistant pathogens including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus, beta lactam-resistant Klebsiella, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter species are associated with an increased risk of mortality. To improve the prognosis of sepsis patients, predominantly high-risk neonates, advances must be made in the early diagnosis, triage, and control of sepsis. The identification of suitable biomarkers and biomarker combinations, coupled with machine learning and artificial intelligence, show promise in early detection protocols. Rapid diagnosis of sepsis in patients is essential to inform on clinical treatment, especially with resistant infectious agents. This timely review aims to discuss sepsis prevalence, aetiology, and recent advances towards disease mitigation and control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Garvey
- Department of Life Science, Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland; ; Tel.: +353-0719-305-529
- Centre for Precision Engineering, Materials and Manufacturing Research (PEM), Atlantic Technological University, F91 YW50 Sligo, Ireland
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3
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Kovacs CJ, Rapp EM, McKenzie SM, Mazur MZ, Mchale RP, Brasko B, Min MY, Burpo FJ, Barnhill JC. Disruption of Biofilm by Bacteriophages in Clinically Relevant Settings. Mil Med 2024; 189:e1294-e1302. [PMID: 37847552 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a growing threat to civilian and military health today. Although infections were once easily treatable by antibiotics and wound cleaning, the frequent mutation of bacteria has created strains impermeable to antibiotics and physical attack. Bacteria further their pathogenicity because of their ability to form biofilms on wounds, medical devices, and implant surfaces. Methods for treating biofilms in clinical settings are limited, and when formed by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can generate chronic infections that are recalcitrant to available therapies. Bacteriophages are natural viral predators of bacteria, and their ability to rapidly destroy their host has led to increased attention in potential phage therapy applications. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present article sought to address a knowledge gap in the available literature pertaining to the usage of bacteriophage in clinically relevant settings and the resolution of infections particular to military concerns. PRISMA guidelines were followed for a systematic review of available literature that met the criteria for analysis and inclusion. The research completed for this review article originated from the U.S. Military Academy's library "Scout" search engine, which complies results from 254 available databases (including PubMed, Google Scholar, and SciFinder). The search criteria included original studies that employed bacteriophage use against biofilms, as well as successful phage therapy strategies for combating chronic bacterial infections. We specifically explored the use of bacteriophage against antibiotic- and treatment-resistant bacteria. RESULTS A total of 80 studies were identified that met the inclusion criteria following PRISMA guidelines. The application of bacteriophage has been demonstrated to robustly disrupt biofilm growth in wounds and on implant surfaces. When traditional therapies have failed to disrupt biofilms and chronic infections, a combination of these treatments with phage has proven to be effective, often leading to complete wound healing without reinfection. CONCLUSIONS This review article examines the available literature where bacteriophages have been utilized to treat biofilms in clinically relevant settings. Specific attention is paid to biofilms on implant medical devices, biofilms formed on wounds, and clinical outcomes, where phage treatment has been efficacious. In addition to the clinical benefit of phage therapies, the military relevance and treatment of combat-related infections is also examined. Phages offer the ability to expand available treatment options in austere environments with relatively low cost and effort, allowing the impacted warfighter to return to duty quicker and healthier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Kovacs
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
- Defense Threat Reduction Agency, Fort Belvoir, VA 22060, USA
| | - Erika M Rapp
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Sophia M McKenzie
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Michael Z Mazur
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Riley P Mchale
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Briana Brasko
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Michael Y Min
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - F John Burpo
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
| | - Jason C Barnhill
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, United States Military Academy, West Point, NY 10996, USA
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4
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Bouhrour N, Nibbering PH, Bendali F. Medical Device-Associated Biofilm Infections and Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens. Pathogens 2024; 13:393. [PMID: 38787246 PMCID: PMC11124157 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050393] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Medical devices such as venous catheters (VCs) and urinary catheters (UCs) are widely used in the hospital setting. However, the implantation of these devices is often accompanied by complications. About 60 to 70% of nosocomial infections (NIs) are linked to biofilms. The main complication is the ability of microorganisms to adhere to surfaces and form biofilms which protect them and help them to persist in the host. Indeed, by crossing the skin barrier, the insertion of VC inevitably allows skin flora or accidental environmental contaminants to access the underlying tissues and cause fatal complications like bloodstream infections (BSIs). In fact, 80,000 central venous catheters-BSIs (CVC-BSIs)-mainly occur in intensive care units (ICUs) with a death rate of 12 to 25%. Similarly, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) are the most commonlyhospital-acquired infections (HAIs) worldwide.These infections represent up to 40% of NIs.In this review, we present a summary of biofilm formation steps. We provide an overview of two main and important infections in clinical settings linked to medical devices, namely the catheter-asociated bloodstream infections (CA-BSIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs), and highlight also the most multidrug resistant bacteria implicated in these infections. Furthermore, we draw attention toseveral useful prevention strategies, and advanced antimicrobial and antifouling approaches developed to reduce bacterial colonization on catheter surfaces and the incidence of the catheter-related infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesrine Bouhrour
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria;
| | - Peter H. Nibbering
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands;
| | - Farida Bendali
- Laboratoire de Microbiologie Appliquée, Faculté des Sciences de la Nature et de la Vie, Université de Bejaia, Bejaia 06000, Algeria;
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5
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Simoni A, Schwartz L, Junquera GY, Ching CB, Spencer JD. Current and emerging strategies to curb antibiotic-resistant urinary tract infections. Nat Rev Urol 2024:10.1038/s41585-024-00877-9. [PMID: 38714857 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-024-00877-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Rising rates of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria compromise patient outcomes and prolong hospital stays. Consequently, new strategies are needed to prevent and control the spread of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria. Over the past two decades, sizeable clinical efforts and research advances have changed urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment and prevention strategies to conserve antibiotic use. The emergence of antimicrobial stewardship, policies from national societies, and the development of new antimicrobials have shaped modern UTI practices. Future UTI management practices could be driven by the evolution of antimicrobial stewardship, improved and readily available diagnostics, and an improved understanding of how the microbiome affects UTI. Forthcoming UTI treatment and prevention strategies could employ novel bactericidal compounds, combinations of new and classic antimicrobials that enhance bacterial killing, medications that prevent bacterial attachment to uroepithelial cells, repurposing drugs, and vaccines to curtail the rising rates of antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic bacteria and improve outcomes in people with UTI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Simoni
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Guillermo Yepes Junquera
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Infectious Diseases, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Christina B Ching
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Urology, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Nationwide Children's, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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6
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Duarte J, Máximo C, Costa P, Oliveira V, Gomes NCM, Romalde JL, Pereira C, Almeida A. Potential of an Isolated Bacteriophage to Inactivate Klebsiella pneumoniae: Preliminary Studies to Control Urinary Tract Infections. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:195. [PMID: 38391581 PMCID: PMC10885952 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13020195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae can lead to severe clinical complications and even death. An alternative treatment option for infected patients is using bacteriophages. In the present study, we isolated phage VB_KPM_KP1LMA (KP1LMA) from sewage water using a K. pneumoniae strain as a host. Whole-genome analysis indicated that the genome was a double-stranded linear 176,096-bp long DNA molecule with 41.8% GC content and did not contain virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. The inactivation potential of phage KP1LMA was assessed in broth at an MOI of 1 and 10, and a maximum inactivation of 4.9 and 5.4 log CFU/mL, respectively, was observed after 9 h. The efficacy at an MOI of 10 was also assessed in urine to evaluate the phage's performance in an acidic environment. A maximum inactivation of 3.8 log CFU/mL was observed after 9 h. The results suggest that phage KP1LMA could potentially control a UTI caused by this strain of K. pneumoniae, indicating that the same procedure can be used to control UTIs caused by other strains if new specific phages are isolated. Although phage KP1LMA has a narrow host range, in the future, efforts can be made to expand its spectrum of activity and also to combine this phage with others, potentially enabling its use against other K. pneumoniae strains involved in UTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Duarte
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Carolina Máximo
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Pedro Costa
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Vanessa Oliveira
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Newton C M Gomes
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Jesús L Romalde
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, CRETUS & CIBUS, Faculty of Biology, University of Santiago de Compostela, CP 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carla Pereira
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Adelaide Almeida
- CESAM, Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
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Grygorcewicz B, Gliźniewicz M, Jabłońska J, Augustyniak A, Olszewska P, Wojciuk B, Miłek D, Serwin N, Czajkowski A, Cecerska-Heryć E, Rakoczy R, Cymbaluk-Płoska A. Bacteriophage-based approach for treatment of urinary tract infections: a quick outlook. APMIS 2024; 132:81-93. [PMID: 38031200 DOI: 10.1111/apm.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections affecting millions worldwide. The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has become a serious concern in managing UTIs. Therefore, there is a growing interest in using bacteriophages as an alternative or adjunct therapy for UTIs. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria, making them a promising tool for treating UTIs caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This article provides a quick outlook on using bacteriophages to treat UTIs. We summarize the current understanding of the biology of bacteriophages, the challenges associated with developing phage-based therapies, and the promising results of several case reports and clinical trials. We also highlight the potential of phage therapy as a valuable tool in the fight against antibiotic-resistant UTIs. This quick outlook on a bacteriophage-based approach for treating UTIs offers a timely and informative summary of the current research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartłomiej Grygorcewicz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Marta Gliźniewicz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Joanna Jabłońska
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Adrian Augustyniak
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
- Chair of Building Materials and Construction Chemistry, Technische Universität Berlin, Germany, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Patrycja Olszewska
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Bartosz Wojciuk
- Department of Immunology Diagnostics, Chair of Microbiology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Dominika Miłek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Natalia Serwin
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Artur Czajkowski
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Medicine, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Rafał Rakoczy
- Department of Chemical and Process Engineering, Faculty of Chemical Technology and Engineering, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Aneta Cymbaluk-Płoska
- Department of Reconstructive Surgery and Gynecological Oncology, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland
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Samson R, Dharne M, Khairnar K. Bacteriophages: Status quo and emerging trends toward one health approach. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 908:168461. [PMID: 37967634 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The alarming rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among the drug-resistant pathogens has been attributed to the ESKAPEE group (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter sp., and Escherichia coli). Recently, these AMR microbes have become difficult to treat, as they have rendered the existing therapeutics ineffective. Thus, there is an urgent need for effective alternatives to lessen or eliminate the current infections and limit the spread of emerging diseases under the "One Health" framework. Bacteriophages (phages) are naturally occurring biological resources with extraordinary potential for biomedical, agriculture/food safety, environmental protection, and energy production. Specific unique properties of phages, such as their bactericidal activity, host specificity, potency, and biocompatibility, make them desirable candidates in therapeutics. The recent biotechnological advancement has broadened the repertoire of phage applications in nanoscience, material science, physical chemistry, and soft-matter research. Herein, we present a comprehensive review, coupling the substantial aspects of phages with their applicability status and emerging opportunities in several interdependent areas under one health concept. Consolidating the recent state-of-the-art studies that integrate human, animal, plant, and environment health, the following points have been highlighted: (i) The biomedical and pharmacological advantages of phages and their antimicrobial derivatives with particular emphasis on in-vivo and clinical studies. (ii) The remarkable potential of phages to be altered, improved, and applied for drug delivery, biosensors, biomedical imaging, tissue engineering, energy, and catalysis. (iii) Resurgence of phages in biocontrol of plant, food, and animal-borne pathogens. (iv) Commercialization of phage-based products, current challenges, and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Samson
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India
| | - Mahesh Dharne
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh 201002, India.
| | - Krishna Khairnar
- National Collection of Industrial Microorganisms (NCIM), Biochemical Sciences Division, CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune 411008, India; Environmental Virology Cell (EVC), CSIR-National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nehru Marg, Nagpur 440020, India.
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9
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Tun HM, Peng Y, Massimino L, Sin ZY, Parigi TL, Facoetti A, Rahman S, Danese S, Ungaro F. Gut virome in inflammatory bowel disease and beyond. Gut 2024; 73:350-360. [PMID: 37949638 PMCID: PMC10850733 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The gut virome is a dense community of viruses inhabiting the gastrointestinal tract and an integral part of the microbiota. The virome coexists with the other components of the microbiota and with the host in a dynamic equilibrium, serving as a key contributor to the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis and functions. However, this equilibrium can be interrupted in certain pathological states, including inflammatory bowel disease, causing dysbiosis that may participate in disease pathogenesis. Nevertheless, whether virome dysbiosis is a causal or bystander event requires further clarification. DESIGN This review seeks to summarise the latest advancements in the study of the gut virome, highlighting its cross-talk with the mucosal microenvironment. It explores how cutting-edge technologies may build upon current knowledge to advance research in this field. An overview of virome transplantation in diseased gastrointestinal tracts is provided along with insights into the development of innovative virome-based therapeutics to improve clinical management. RESULTS Gut virome dysbiosis, primarily driven by the expansion of Caudovirales, has been shown to impact intestinal immunity and barrier functions, influencing overall intestinal homeostasis. Although emerging innovative technologies still need further implementation, they display the unprecedented potential to better characterise virome composition and delineate its role in intestinal diseases. CONCLUSIONS The field of gut virome is progressively expanding, thanks to the advancements of sequencing technologies and bioinformatic pipelines. These have contributed to a better understanding of how virome dysbiosis is linked to intestinal disease pathogenesis and how the modulation of virome composition may help the clinical intervention to ameliorate gut disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hein Min Tun
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong SAR, China
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ye Peng
- Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), Hong Kong SAR, China
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Luca Massimino
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Zhen Ye Sin
- JC School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tommaso Lorenzo Parigi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Milano, Italy
| | - Amanda Facoetti
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Danese
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Milano, Italy
| | - Federica Ungaro
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
- Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Milano, Italy
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10
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Alqahtani A. Bacteriophage treatment as an alternative therapy for multidrug-resistant bacteria. Saudi Med J 2023; 44:1222-1231. [PMID: 38016738 PMCID: PMC10712800 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2023.44.12.20230366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria constitute one of the most serious global health threats. The increasing incidence rate of bacterial infections caused by MDR strains and the decrease in the number of newly developed antibiotics have prompted the scientific community to search for alternatives. One such alternative is the use of bacteriophages. In this review, we discuss the most critical MDR organisms, including Acinetobacter baumanni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus The efficacy of phage therapy against MDR bacteria is also discussed. We included studies from the last 10 years that examined the efficacy of phage therapy against MDR pathogens. In addition, this review highlights the effect of bacteriophages against bacterial biofilms. The existing knowledge indicates that phage therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy against MDR bacteria. However, the adverse effects of phage therapy, such as toxicity, and the emergence of phage resistance have not yet been resolved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulaziz Alqahtani
- From the Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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11
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Zalewska-Piątek B. Phage Therapy-Challenges, Opportunities and Future Prospects. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1638. [PMID: 38139765 PMCID: PMC10747886 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing drug resistance of bacteria to commonly used antibiotics creates the need to search for and develop alternative forms of treatment. Phage therapy fits this trend perfectly. Phages that selectively infect and kill bacteria are often the only life-saving therapeutic option. Full legalization of this treatment method could help solve the problem of multidrug-resistant infectious diseases on a global scale. The aim of this review is to present the prospects for the development of phage therapy, the ethical and legal aspects of this form of treatment given the current situation of such therapy, and the benefits of using phage products in persons for whom available therapeutic options have been exhausted or do not exist at all. In addition, the challenges faced by this form of therapy in the fight against bacterial infections are also described. More clinical studies are needed to expand knowledge about phages, their dosage, and a standardized delivery system. These activities are necessary to ensure that phage-based therapy does not take the form of an experiment but is a standard medical treatment. Bacterial viruses will probably not become a miracle cure-a panacea for infections-but they have a chance to find an important place in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Zalewska-Piątek
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Chemical Faculty, Gdańsk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdańsk, Poland
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12
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Yerushalmy O, Braunstein R, Alkalay-Oren S, Rimon A, Coppenhagn-Glazer S, Onallah H, Nir-Paz R, Hazan R. Towards Standardization of Phage Susceptibility Testing: The Israeli Phage Therapy Center "Clinical Phage Microbiology"-A Pipeline Proposal. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:S337-S351. [PMID: 37932122 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Using phages as salvage therapy for nonhealing infections is gaining recognition as a viable solution for patients with such infections. The escalating issue of antibiotic resistance further emphasizes the significance of using phages in treating bacterial infections, encompassing compassionate-use scenarios and clinical trials. Given the high specificity of phages, selecting the suitable phage(s) targeting the causative bacteria becomes critical for achieving treatment success. However, in contrast to conventional antibiotics, where susceptibility-testing procedures were well established for phage therapy, there is a lack of standard frameworks for matching phages from a panel to target bacterial strains and assessing their interactions with antibiotics or other agents. This review discusses and compares published methods for clinical phage microbiology, also known as phage susceptibility testing, and proposes guidelines for establishing a standard pipeline based on our findings over the past 5 years of phage therapy at the Israeli Phage Therapy Center.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ortal Yerushalmy
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research (IBOR), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ron Braunstein
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research (IBOR), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sivan Alkalay-Oren
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research (IBOR), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amit Rimon
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research (IBOR), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shunit Coppenhagn-Glazer
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research (IBOR), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hadil Onallah
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ran Nir-Paz
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronen Hazan
- The Israeli Phage Therapy Center (IPTC) of Hadassah Medical Center and the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Faculty of Dental Medicine, Institute of Biomedical and Oral Research (IBOR), The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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13
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Schwartz L, de Dios Ruiz-Rosado J, Stonebrook E, Becknell B, Spencer JD. Uropathogen and host responses in pyelonephritis. Nat Rev Nephrol 2023; 19:658-671. [PMID: 37479904 PMCID: PMC10913074 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-023-00737-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections seen in clinical practice. The ascent of UTI-causing pathogens to the kidneys results in pyelonephritis, which can trigger kidney injury, scarring and ultimately impair kidney function. Despite sizable efforts to understand how infections develop or are cleared in the bladder, our appreciation of the mechanisms by which infections develop, progress or are eradicated in the kidney is limited. The identification of virulence factors that are produced by uropathogenic Escherichia coli to promote pyelonephritis have begun to fill this knowledge gap, as have insights into the mechanisms by which kidney tubular epithelial cells oppose uropathogenic E. coli infection to prevent or eradicate UTIs. Emerging data also illustrate how specific cellular immune responses eradicate infection whereas other immune cell populations promote kidney injury. Insights into the mechanisms by which uropathogenic E. coli circumvent host immune defences or antibiotic therapy to cause pyelonephritis is paramount to the development of new prevention and treatment strategies to mitigate pyelonephritis and its associated complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Schwartz
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Juan de Dios Ruiz-Rosado
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily Stonebrook
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian Becknell
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John David Spencer
- The Kidney and Urinary Tract Center, Nationwide Children's Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
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14
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McCallin S, Kessler TM, Leitner L. Management of uncomplicated urinary tract infection in the post-antibiotic era: select non-antibiotic approaches. Clin Microbiol Infect 2023; 29:1267-1271. [PMID: 37301438 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2023.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the high frequency of patients presenting with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the ensuing high degree of antibiotic prescription, UTI is a critical point of intervention for non-antibiotic treatments to curb the further development of antimicrobial resistance and provide risk-appropriate care for patients. OBJECTIVES To highlight several select non-antibiotic therapies for the treatment of uncomplicated UTI and relevant indications (prevention and complicated UTI) from recent literature. SOURCES PubMed, Google Scholar, and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for clinical trials published in the English language corresponding to non-antibiotic treatments for UTI. CONTENT The focus of this narrative review centres on a limited number of non-antibiotic therapies for the treatment of UTI based on (a) herbal extracts or (b) antibacterial strategies (e.g. bacteriophage therapy and D-mannose). The experience of treatment with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is also used to fuel discussion on the risk of developing pyelonephritis without antibiotics-compared with the projected harms of continuing their widespread use. IMPLICATIONS Non-antibiotic treatment strategies for UTI have shown varying results in clinical trials, and the current evidence does not yet indicate a clear, better alternative to antibiotics. However, the collective experience with non-antibiotic treatments suggests that there is a need to weigh the actual benefits/risks of unfettered, non-culture-confirmed antibiotic use in uncomplicated UTI. Given the different mechanisms of action of proposed alternatives, more in-depth knowledge on microbiological and pathophysiological factors influencing UTI susceptibility and prognostic indicators are highly needed to stratify patients most likely to benefit. The feasibility of alternatives in clinical practice should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna McCallin
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Thomas M Kessler
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Lorenz Leitner
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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15
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Oromí-Bosch A, Antani JD, Turner PE. Developing Phage Therapy That Overcomes the Evolution of Bacterial Resistance. Annu Rev Virol 2023; 10:503-524. [PMID: 37268007 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-virology-012423-110530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The global rise of antibiotic resistance in bacterial pathogens and the waning efficacy of antibiotics urge consideration of alternative antimicrobial strategies. Phage therapy is a classic approach where bacteriophages (bacteria-specific viruses) are used against bacterial infections, with many recent successes in personalized medicine treatment of intractable infections. However, a perpetual challenge for developing generalized phage therapy is the expectation that viruses will exert selection for target bacteria to deploy defenses against virus attack, causing evolution of phage resistance during patient treatment. Here we review the two main complementary strategies for mitigating bacterial resistance in phage therapy: minimizing the ability for bacterial populations to evolve phage resistance and driving (steering) evolution of phage-resistant bacteria toward clinically favorable outcomes. We discuss future research directions that might further address the phage-resistance problem, to foster widespread development and deployment of therapeutic phage strategies that outsmart evolved bacterial resistance in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jyot D Antani
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Phage Biology & Therapy, and Quantitative Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
| | - Paul E Turner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Center for Phage Biology & Therapy, and Quantitative Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA;
- Program in Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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16
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Ouyang X, Li X, Song J, Wang H, Wang S, Fang R, Li Z, Song N. Mycobacteriophages in diagnosis and alternative treatment of mycobacterial infections. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1277178. [PMID: 37840750 PMCID: PMC10568470 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1277178] [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: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing threat to human populations. The emergence of multidrug-resistant "superbugs" in mycobacterial infections has further complicated the processes of curing patients, thereby resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and alternative treatment are important for improving the success and cure rates associated with mycobacterial infections and the use of mycobacteriophages is a potentially good option. Since each bacteriophage has its own host range, mycobacteriophages have the capacity to detect specific mycobacterial isolates. The bacteriolysis properties of mycobacteriophages make them more attractive when it comes to treating infectious diseases. In fact, they have been clinically applied in Eastern Europe for several decades. Therefore, mycobacteriophages can also treat mycobacteria infections. This review explores the potential clinical applications of mycobacteriophages, including phage-based diagnosis and phage therapy in mycobacterial infections. Furthermore, this review summarizes the current difficulties in phage therapy, providing insights into new treatment strategies against drug-resistant mycobacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Ouyang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Weifang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Tract Pathogens and Drug Therapy, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaotian Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Weifang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Tract Pathogens and Drug Therapy, Weifang, China
| | - Jinmiao Song
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Weifang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Tract Pathogens and Drug Therapy, Weifang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Weifang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Tract Pathogens and Drug Therapy, Weifang, China
| | - Shuxian Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Weifang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Tract Pathogens and Drug Therapy, Weifang, China
| | - Ren Fang
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Weifang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Tract Pathogens and Drug Therapy, Weifang, China
| | - Zhaoli Li
- SAFE Pharmaceutical Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Ningning Song
- School of Life Science and Technology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Weifang Key Laboratory of Respiratory Tract Pathogens and Drug Therapy, Weifang, China
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17
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Chung KM, Nang SC, Tang SS. The Safety of Bacteriophages in Treatment of Diseases Caused by Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1347. [PMID: 37895818 PMCID: PMC10610463 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the urgency due to the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, bacteriophages (phages), which are viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria, are rising as a potential alternative to antibiotics. In recent years, researchers have begun to elucidate the safety aspects of phage therapy with the aim of ensuring safe and effective clinical applications. While phage therapy has generally been demonstrated to be safe and tolerable among animals and humans, the current research on phage safety monitoring lacks sufficient and consistent data. This emphasizes the critical need for a standardized phage safety assessment to ensure a more reliable evaluation of its safety profile. Therefore, this review aims to bridge the knowledge gap concerning phage safety for treating MDR bacterial infections by covering various aspects involving phage applications, including phage preparation, administration, and the implications for human health and the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Mun Chung
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
| | - Sue C Nang
- Department of Microbiology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Swee Seong Tang
- Division of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
- Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
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18
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Khunti P, Chantakorn K, Tantibhadrasapa A, Htoo HH, Thiennimitr P, Nonejuie P, Chaikeeratisak V. A novel coli myophage and antibiotics synergistically inhibit the growth of the uropathogenic E. coli strain CFT073 in stoichiometric niches. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0088923. [PMID: 37732769 PMCID: PMC10580823 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.00889-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are widespread bacterial infections affecting millions of people annually, with Escherichia coli being the most prevalent. Although phage therapy has recently gained interest as a promising alternative therapy for antibiotic-resistant bacteria, several studies have raised concerns regarding the evolution of phage resistance, making the therapy ineffective. In this study, we discover a novel coli myophage designated as Killian that targets E. coli strains, including the uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) strain CFT073. It requires at least 20 minutes for 90% of its particles to adsorb to the host cells, undergoes subcellular activities for replication for 30 minutes, and eventually lyses the cells with a burst size of about 139 particles per cell. Additionally, Killian can withstand a wide variety of temperatures (4-50°C) and pHs (4-10). Genome analysis reveals that Killian's genome consists of 169,905 base pairs with 35.5% GC content, encoding 276 open reading frames; of these, 209 are functionally annotated with no undesirable genes detected, highlighting its potential as an antibiotic alternative against UPEC. However, after an 8-hour phage treatment at high multiplicities of infection, bacterial density continuously increases, indicating an onset of bacterial growth revival. Thus, the combination study between the phage and three different antibiotics, including amikacin, ciprofloxacin, and piperacillin, was performed and showed that certain pairs of phage and antibiotics exhibited synergistic interactions in suppressing the bacterial growth revival. These findings suggest that Killian-antibiotic combinations are effective in inhibiting the growth of UPEC. IMPORTANCE Phage therapy has recently been in the spotlight as a viable alternative therapy for bacterial infections. However, several studies have raised concerns about the emergence of phage resistance that occurs during treatment, making the therapy not much effective. Here, we present the discovery of a novel E. coli myophage that, by itself, can effectively kill the uropathogenic E. coli, but the emergence of bacterial growth revival was detected during the treatment. Phage and antibiotics are then combined to improve the efficiency of the phage in suppressing the bacterial re-growth. This research would pave the way for the future development of phage-antibiotic cocktails for the sustainable use of phages for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patiphan Khunti
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Htut Htut Htoo
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Parameth Thiennimitr
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Research Center of Microbial Diversity and Sustainable Utilization, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Poochit Nonejuie
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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19
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Al-Anany AM, Hooey PB, Cook JD, Burrows LL, Martyniuk J, Hynes AP, German GJ. Phage Therapy in the Management of Urinary Tract Infections: A Comprehensive Systematic Review. PHAGE (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:112-127. [PMID: 37771568 PMCID: PMC10523411 DOI: 10.1089/phage.2023.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a problem worldwide, affecting almost half a billion people each year. Increasing antibiotic resistance and limited therapeutic options have led to the exploration of alternative therapies for UTIs, including bacteriophage (phage) therapy. This systematic review aims at evaluating the efficacy of phage therapy in treating UTIs. We employed a comprehensive search strategy for any language, any animal, and any publication date. A total of 55 in vivo and clinical studies were included. Of the studies, 22% were published in a non-English language, 32.7% were before the year 1996, and the rest were after 2005. The results of this review suggest that phage therapy for UTIs can be effective; more than 72% of the included articles reported microbiological and clinical improvements. On the other hand, only 5 randomized controlled trials have been completed, and case reports and case series information were frequently incomplete for analysis. Overall, this comprehensive systematic review identifies preliminary evidence supporting the potential of phage therapy as a safe and viable option for the treatment of UTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany M. Al-Anany
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Payton B. Hooey
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Jonathan D. Cook
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lori L. Burrows
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Julia Martyniuk
- Gerstein Science Information Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alexander P. Hynes
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Greg J. German
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto, St. Joseph's Health Centre Chronic Infection/Phage Therapy Clinic, Toronto, Canada
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20
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Ali Y, Inusa I, Sanghvi G, Mandaliya V, Bishoyi AK. The current status of phage therapy and its advancement towards establishing standard antimicrobials for combating multi drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Microb Pathog 2023:106199. [PMID: 37336428 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Phage therapy; a revived antimicrobial weapon, has great therapeutic advantages with the main ones being its ability to eradicate multidrug-resistant pathogens as well as selective toxicity, which ensures that beneficial microbiota is not harmed, unlike antibiotics. These therapeutic properties make phage therapy a novel approach for combating resistant pathogens. Since millions of people across the globe succumb to multidrug-resistant infections, the implementation of phage therapy as a standard antimicrobial could transform global medicine as it offers greater therapeutic advantages than conventional antibiotics. Although phage therapy has incomplete clinical data, such as a lack of standard dosage and the ideal mode of administration, the conducted clinical studies report its safety and efficacy in some case studies, and therefore, this could lessen the concerns of its skeptics. Since its discovery, the development of phage therapeutics has been in a smooth progression. Concerns about phage resistance in populations of pathogenic bacteria are raised when bacteria are exposed to phages. Bacteria can use restriction-modification, Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein (Cas) defense, or mutations in the phage receptors to prevent phage invasion. Phage resistance, however, is often costly for the bacteria and may lead to a reduction in its virulence. The ongoing competition between bacteria and phage, on the other hand, ensures the emergence of phage strains that have evolved to infect resistant bacteria. A phage can quickly adapt by altering one or more aspects of its mode of infection, evading a resistance mechanism through genetic modifications, or directly thwarting the CRISPR-Cas defense. Using phage-bacterium coevolution as a technique could be crucial in the development of phage therapy as well. Through its recent advancement, gene-editing tools such as CRISPR-Cas allow the bioengineering of phages to produce phage cocktails that have broad spectrum activities, which could maximize the treatment's efficacy. This review presents the current state of phage therapy and its progression toward establishing standard medicine for combating antibiotic resistance. Recent clinical trials of phage therapy, some important case studies, and other ongoing clinical studies of phage therapy are all presented in this review. Furthermore, the recent advancement in the development of phage therapeutics, its application in various sectors, and concerns regarding its implementation are also highlighted here. Phage therapy has great potential and could help the fight against drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yussuf Ali
- Department of Microbiology, Marwadi University, Gujarat, India
| | - Ibrahim Inusa
- Department of Information Technology, Marwadi University, Gujarat, India
| | - Gaurav Sanghvi
- Department of Microbiology, Marwadi University, Gujarat, India
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21
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Bhargava K, Nath G, Dhameja N, Kumar R, Aseri GK, Jain N. Bacteriophage therapy for Escherichia coli-induced urinary tract infection in rats. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:323-334. [PMID: 37140267 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The present study evaluates the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy for urinary tract infection (UTI) in rats. Methods: UTI was established by inoculating Escherichia coli (100 μl) at a concentration of 1.5 × 108 CFU/ml per urethra via a cannula in different groups of rats. For treatment, phage cocktails (200 μl) were administered at varying concentrations of 1 × 108 PFU/ml, 1 × 107 PFU/ml and 1 × 106 PFU/ml. Results: The two doses of phage cocktail at the first two concentrations resulted in the cure of UTI. However, the lowest concentration of the phage cocktail warranted more doses to eradicate the causative bacteria. Conclusion: The quantity, frequency and safety of doses could be optimized in a rodent model using the urethral route.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Bhargava
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Gopal Nath
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Neeraj Dhameja
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India
| | - Gajender K Aseri
- Amity Institute of Microbial Technology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Neelam Jain
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Rajasthan, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
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22
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Diallo K, Dublanchet A. A Century of Clinical Use of Phages: A Literature Review. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12040751. [PMID: 37107113 PMCID: PMC10135294 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12040751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing antibiotic resistance and the broken antibiotic market have renewed interest in the use of phages, a century-old therapy that fell into oblivion in the West after two decades of promising results. This literature review with a particular focus on French literature aims to complement current scientific databases with medical and non-medical publications on the clinical use of phages. While several cases of successful treatment with phages have been reported, prospective randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm the efficacy of this therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Diallo
- Department of Infective and Tropical Diseases and Internal Medicine, University Hospital of la Reunion, 97448 Saint-Pierre, France
| | - Alain Dublanchet
- Independent Researcher, 2465 Rue Céline Robert, 94300 Vincennes, France
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23
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Jones JD, Trippett C, Suleman M, Clokie MRJ, Clark JR. The Future of Clinical Phage Therapy in the United Kingdom. Viruses 2023; 15:721. [PMID: 36992430 PMCID: PMC10053292 DOI: 10.3390/v15030721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is a promising alternative antimicrobial strategy with the potential to transform the way bacterial infections are treated. In the United Kingdom, phages are classed as a biological medicine. Although no phages are licensed for UK use, they may be used as unlicensed medicinal products where licensed alternatives cannot meet a patient's clinical needs. In the last 2 years, 12 patients in the UK have received phage therapy, and there is burgeoning clinical interest. Currently, clinical phage provision in the UK is ad hoc and relies upon networking with international sources of phages. The provision of phage therapy in the UK will not progress beyond an increasing number of ad hoc cases until an onshore sustainable and scalable source of well-characterised phages manufactured in accordance with Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) is established. Here, we present an exciting new collaboration between UK Phage Therapy, the Centre for Phage Research at University of Leicester, CPI, and Fixed Phage. These partners, and others as we develop, will establish sustainable, scalable, and equitable phage therapy provision in the UK. We set out a vision for how phage therapy will be integrated into the NHS and healthcare more broadly, including the complementarity between licensed (cocktail) and unlicensed (personalised) phage preparations. Key elements of phage therapy infrastructure in the UK will be GMP phage manufacturing, a national phage library, and a national clinical phage centre. Together, this infrastructure will support NHS microbiology departments to develop and oversee phage therapy provision across the UK. As it will take time to deliver this, we also describe considerations for clinicians seeking to use unlicensed phage therapy in the interim. In summary, this review sets out a roadmap for the delivery of clinical phage therapy to the UK, the benefits of which we hope will reverberate for patients for decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clare Trippett
- CPI, 1 Union Square, Central Park, Darlington DL1 1GL, UK
| | - Mehrunisha Suleman
- The Ethox Centre, University of Oxford, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Old Road Campus, Oxford OX3 7LF, UK
| | - Martha R. J. Clokie
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Jason R. Clark
- Fixed Phage, West of Scotland Science Park, Block 2, Kelvin Campus, 2317 Maryhill Road, Glasgow G20 0SP, UK
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Cesta N, Pini M, Mulas T, Materazzi A, Ippolito E, Wagemans J, Kutateladze M, Fontana C, Sarmati L, Tavanti A, Lavigne R, Andreoni M, Di Luca M. Application of Phage Therapy in a Case of a Chronic Hip-Prosthetic Joint Infection due to Pseudomonas aeruginosa: An Italian Real-Life Experience and In Vitro Analysis. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad051. [PMID: 36861092 PMCID: PMC9969736 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents a severe complication in orthopedic surgery. We report the case of a patient with chronic PJI from P. aeruginosa successfully treated with personalized phage therapy (PT) in combination with meropenem. Methods A 62-year-old woman was affected by a chronic right hip prosthesis infection caused by P. aeruginosa since 2016 . The patient was treated with phage Pa53 (I day 10 mL q8h, then 5 mL q8h via joint drainage for 2 weeks) in association with meropenem (2gr q12h iv) after a surgical procedure. A 2-year clinical follow up was performed. An in vitro bactericidal assay of the phage alone and in combination with meropenem against a 24-hour-old biofilm of bacterial isolate was also carried out. Results No severe adverse events were observed during PT. Two years after suspension, there were no clinical signs of infection relapse, and a marked leukocyte scan showed no pathological uptake areas. In vitro studies showed that the minimum biofilm eradicating concentration of meropenem was 8 µg/mL. No biofilm eradication was observed at 24 hours incubation with phages alone (108 plaque-forming units [PFU]/mL). However, the addition of meropenem at suberadicating concentration (1 µg/mL) to phages at lower titer (103 PFU/mL) resulted in a synergistic eradication after 24 hours of incubation. Conclusions Personalized PT, in combination with meropenem, was found to be safe and effective in eradicating P. aeruginosa infection. These data encourage the development of personalized clinical studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of PT as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy for chronic persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Novella Cesta
- Correspondence: Novella Cesta, MD, Rome, Italy (); or Mariagrazia Di Luca, PhD, Pisa, Italy ()
| | - Marco Pini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Tiziana Mulas
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ernesto Ippolito
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Jeroen Wagemans
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mzia Kutateladze
- Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | - Loredana Sarmati
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rob Lavigne
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Policlinic of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy,Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariagrazia Di Luca
- Correspondence: Novella Cesta, MD, Rome, Italy (); or Mariagrazia Di Luca, PhD, Pisa, Italy ()
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Antimicrobial Resistance and Recent Alternatives to Antibiotics for the Control of Bacterial Pathogens with an Emphasis on Foodborne Pathogens. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:antibiotics12020274. [PMID: 36830185 PMCID: PMC9952301 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12020274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the most important global public health problems. The imprudent use of antibiotics in humans and animals has resulted in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The dissemination of these strains and their resistant determinants could endanger antibiotic efficacy. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify and develop novel strategies to combat antibiotic resistance. This review provides insights into the evolution and the mechanisms of AMR. Additionally, it discusses alternative approaches that might be used to control AMR, including probiotics, prebiotics, antimicrobial peptides, small molecules, organic acids, essential oils, bacteriophage, fecal transplants, and nanoparticles.
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26
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Baral B. Phages against killer superbugs: An enticing strategy against antibiotics-resistant pathogens. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1036051. [PMID: 36762109 PMCID: PMC9902939 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1036051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The emerging resistivity of antibiotic resistance superbugs desire the need to resolve the global problem of antibiotic resistance. Among several other methods currently being adopted, one possible solution may be the development of supplemental therapies for antibiotics. The use of the normal and advanced bactericidal properties of bacteriophages (bacteriophage therapy) may be one of the viable infection control options. It is evident, however, that the safe and regulated application of phage treatment will need extensive knowledge of the characteristics and behaviour of certain phage-bacterium systems. This mini review offers an overview of the potential for phage therapy as well as the constraints and obstacles it faces in becoming a commonly accepted infection management strategy.
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27
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Wohlfarth JC, Feldmüller M, Schneller A, Kilcher S, Burkolter M, Meile S, Pilhofer M, Schuppler M, Loessner MJ. L-form conversion in Gram-positive bacteria enables escape from phage infection. Nat Microbiol 2023; 8:387-399. [PMID: 36717719 PMCID: PMC9981463 DOI: 10.1038/s41564-022-01317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
At the end of a lytic bacteriophage replication cycle in Gram-positive bacteria, peptidoglycan-degrading endolysins that cause explosive cell lysis of the host can also attack non-infected bystander cells. Here we show that in osmotically stabilized environments, Listeria monocytogenes can evade phage predation by transient conversion to a cell wall-deficient L-form state. This L-form escape is triggered by endolysins disintegrating the cell wall from without, leading to turgor-driven extrusion of wall-deficient, yet viable L-form cells. Remarkably, in the absence of phage predation, we show that L-forms can quickly revert to the walled state. These findings suggest that L-form conversion represents a population-level persistence mechanism to evade complete eradication by phage attack. Importantly, we also demonstrate phage-mediated L-form switching of the urinary tract pathogen Enterococcus faecalis in human urine, which underscores that this escape route may be widespread and has important implications for phage- and endolysin-based therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan C. Wohlfarth
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miki Feldmüller
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Alissa Schneller
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Burkolter
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Meile
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Pilhofer
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Schuppler
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J. Loessner
- grid.5801.c0000 0001 2156 2780Institute of Food, Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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28
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Akram F, Imtiaz M, Haq IU. Emergent crisis of antibiotic resistance: A silent pandemic threat to 21 st century. Microb Pathog 2023; 174:105923. [PMID: 36526035 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance has become an indispensably alarming menace to the global community. The primary factors are overuse and abuse of antibiotics, lack of novel medicines under development, the health care industry's focus on profit, and the absence of diagnostic testing prior to the prescription of antibiotics. Additionally, over the past few decades, the main factors contributing to the global spread of antibiotic resistance have been the overuse of antibiotics in livestock and other animals, drug efficacy, development of fewer new vaccines, environmental toxicity, transmission through travel, and lack of funding for healthcare research and development. These factors have accelerated resistance in microorganisms through structural and functional modifications in bacteria such as reduced drug permeability, increased efflux pumps, enzymatic antibiotic modification, and change in drug target, intracellular infection, and biofilm creation. There has been an increase in resistance during the pandemic and among cancer patients due to improper prescriptions. A number of modern therapeutic alternatives have been developed to curb widespread antibiotic resistance such as nanoparticle, bacteriophage, and antimicrobial biochemical approaches. It is high time to explore new alternatives to curtail enormous increase in resistant pathogens which could be an incurable global confrontation. This review highlights the complete insight on the global drivers of resistance along with the modes of action and impacts, finally discussing the latest therapeutic alternatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Akram
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan.
| | - Memoona Imtiaz
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan
| | - Ikram Ul Haq
- Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Government College University, Lahore, 54000, Pakistan; Pakistan Academy of Sciences, Islamabad, Pakistan
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29
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Ewaisha R, Anderson KS. Immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics-Critical considerations for clinical translation. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1138596. [PMID: 36873375 PMCID: PMC9978118 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1138596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
CRISPR offers new hope for many patients and promises to transform the way we think of future therapies. Ensuring safety of CRISPR therapeutics is a top priority for clinical translation and specific recommendations have been recently released by the FDA. Rapid progress in the preclinical and clinical development of CRISPR therapeutics leverages years of experience with gene therapy successes and failures. Adverse events due to immunogenicity have been a major setback that has impacted the field of gene therapy. As several in vivo CRISPR clinical trials make progress, the challenge of immunogenicity remains a significant roadblock to the clinical availability and utility of CRISPR therapeutics. In this review, we examine what is currently known about the immunogenicity of CRISPR therapeutics and discuss several considerations to mitigate immunogenicity for the design of safe and clinically translatable CRISPR therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Ewaisha
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Newgiza, Egypt
| | - Karen S Anderson
- Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, United States
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30
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Marongiu L, Burkard M, Lauer UM, Hoelzle LE, Venturelli S. Reassessment of Historical Clinical Trials Supports the Effectiveness of Phage Therapy. Clin Microbiol Rev 2022; 35:e0006222. [PMID: 36069758 PMCID: PMC9769689 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00062-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy has become a hot topic in medical research due to the increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. In the treatment of bacterial infections, bacteriophages have several advantages over antibiotics, including strain specificity, lack of serious side effects, and low development costs. However, scientists dismissed the clinical success of early clinical trials in the 1940s, slowing the adoption of this promising antibacterial application in Western countries. The current study used statistical methods commonly used in modern meta-analysis to reevaluate early 20th-century studies and compare them with clinical trials conducted in the last 20 years. Using a random effect model, the development of disease after treatment with or without phages was measured in odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Based on the findings of 17 clinical trials conducted between 1921 and 1940, phage therapy was effective (OR = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.44, P value < 0.0001). The current study includes a topic review on modern clinical trials; four could be analyzed, indicating a noneffective therapy (OR = 2.84, 95% CI = 1.53 to 5.27, P value = 0.0009). The results suggest phage therapy was surprisingly less effective than standard treatments in resolving bacterial infections. However, the results were affected by the small sample set size. This work also contextualizes the development of phage therapy in the early 20th century and highlights the expansion of phage applications in the last few years. In conclusion, the current review shows phage therapy is no longer an underestimated tool in the treatment of bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Marongiu
- Department of Biochemistry of Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Markus Burkard
- Department of Biochemistry of Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Ulrich M. Lauer
- Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ludwig E. Hoelzle
- Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- HoLMiR-Hohenheim Center for Livestock Microbiome Research, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Sascha Venturelli
- Department of Biochemistry of Nutrition, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, Department of Vegetative and Clinical Physiology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Zagaliotis P, Michalik-Provasek J, Gill JJ, Walsh TJ. Therapeutic Bacteriophages for Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections in Animals and Humans. Pathog Immun 2022; 7:1-45. [PMID: 36320594 PMCID: PMC9596135 DOI: 10.20411/pai.v7i2.516] [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: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial pathogens are an increasingly serious health threat causing worldwide nosocomial infections with high morbidity and mortality. Of these, the most prevalent and severe are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Salmonella typhimurium. The extended use of antibiotics has led to the emergence of multidrug resistance in these bacteria. Drug-inactivating enzymes produced by these bacteria, as well as other resistance mechanisms, render drugs ineffective and make treatment of such infections more difficult and complicated. This makes the development of novel antimicrobial agents an urgent necessity. Bacteriophages, which are bacteria-killing viruses first discovered in 1915, have been used as therapeutic antimicrobials in the past, but their use was abandoned due to the widespread availability of antibiotics in the 20th century. The emergence, however, of drug-resistant pathogens has re-affirmed the need for bacteriophages as therapeutic strategies. This review describes the use of bacteriophages as novel agents to combat this rapidly emerging public health crisis by comprehensively enumerating and discussing the innovative use of bacteriophages in both animal models and in patients infected by Gram-negative bacteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Zagaliotis
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medicine New York, NY
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Panagiotis Zagaliotis, MS
| | | | - Jason J. Gill
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Transplantation-Oncology Infectious Diseases Program, Weill Cornell Medicine New York, NY
- Departments of Pediatrics and Microbiology & Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine New York, NY
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, VA
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Thomas J. Walsh, MD, PhD (Hon), FIDSA, FAAM, FECMM
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Stacey HJ, De Soir S, Jones JD. The Safety and Efficacy of Phage Therapy: A Systematic Review of Clinical and Safety Trials. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11101340. [PMID: 36289998 PMCID: PMC9598614 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Trials of phage therapy have not consistently reported efficacy. This contrasts with promising efficacy rates from a sizeable and compelling body of observational literature. This systematic review explores the reasons why many phage trials have not demonstrated efficacy. Four electronic databases were systematically searched for safety and/or efficacy trials of phage therapy. Sixteen trials of phage therapy were included, in which 378 patients received phage. These were divided into historical (pre-2000; N = 3; n = 76) and modern (post-2000; N = 13; n = 302) trials. All 13 modern trials concluded that phage therapy was safe. Six of the 13 modern trials were exclusively safety trials. Seven modern trials investigated both safety and efficacy; efficacy was observed in two. Two of three historical trials did not comment on safety, while adverse effects in the third likely reflected the use of phage preparations contaminated with bacterial debris. None of the historical trials contained evidence of efficacy. The evidence from trials is that phage therapy is safe. For efficacy to be observed a therapeutic amount of the right phage(s) must be delivered to the right place to treat infections containing enough susceptible bacterial cells. Trials that have not demonstrated efficacy have not fulfilled one or more elements of this principle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J. Stacey
- Public Health, Kings Cross Hospital, Clepington Road, Dundee DD3 8EA, UK
| | - Steven De Soir
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, Rue Bruyn, 1120 Brussels, Belgium
- Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Avenue E. Mounier 73, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joshua D. Jones
- Infection Medicine, Edinburgh Medical School: Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Chancellor’s Building, 49 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
- Clinical Microbiology, NHS Tayside, Dundee DD2 1SG, UK
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is among the most common infections treated worldwide each year and is caused primarily by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Rising rates of antibiotic resistance among uropathogens have spurred a consideration of alternative treatment strategies, such as bacteriophage (phage) therapy; however, phage-bacterial interactions within the urinary environment are poorly defined. Here, we assess the activity of two phages, namely, HP3 and ES17, against clinical UPEC isolates using in vitro and in vivo models of UTI. In both bacteriologic medium and pooled human urine, we identified phage resistance arising within the first 6 to 8 h of coincubation. Whole-genome sequencing revealed that UPEC strains resistant to HP3 and ES17 harbored mutations in genes involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis. Phage-resistant strains displayed several in vitro phenotypes, including alterations to adherence to and invasion of human bladder epithelial HTB-9 cells and increased biofilm formation in some isolates. Interestingly, these phage-resistant UPEC isolates demonstrated reduced growth in pooled human urine, which could be partially rescued by nutrient supplementation and were more sensitive to several outer membrane-targeting antibiotics than parental strains. Additionally, phage-resistant UPEC isolates were attenuated in bladder colonization in a murine UTI model. In total, our findings suggest that while resistance to phages, such as HP3 and ES17, may arise readily in the urinary environment, phage resistance is accompanied by fitness costs which may render UPEC more susceptible to host immunity or antibiotics. IMPORTANCE UTI is one of the most common causes of outpatient antibiotic use, and rising antibiotic resistance threatens the ability to control UTI unless alternative treatments are developed. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is gaining renewed interest; however, much like with antibiotics, bacteria can readily become resistant to phages. For successful UTI treatment, we must predict how bacteria will evade killing by phage and identify the downstream consequences of phage resistance during bacterial infection. In our current study, we found that while phage-resistant bacteria quickly emerged in vitro, these bacteria were less capable of growing in human urine and colonizing the murine bladder. These results suggest that phage therapy poses a viable UTI treatment if phage resistance confers fitness costs for the uropathogen. These results have implications for developing cocktails of phage with multiple different bacterial targets, of which each is evaded only at the cost of bacterial fitness.
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Urinary Tract Infections Caused by Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Strains—New Strategies for an Old Pathogen. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071425. [PMID: 35889146 PMCID: PMC9321218 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common infections worldwide. Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPECs) are the main causative agent of UTIs. UPECs initially colonize the human host adhering to the bladder epithelium. Adhesion is followed by the bacterial invasion of urothelial epithelial cells where they can replicate to form compact aggregates of intracellular bacteria with biofilm-like properties. UPEC strains may persist within epithelial urothelial cells, thus acting as quiescent intracellular bacterial reservoirs (QIRs). It has been proposed that host cell invasion may facilitate both the establishment and persistence of UPECs within the human urinary tract. UPEC strains express a variety of virulence factors including fimbrial and afimbrial adhesins, invasins, iron-acquisition systems, and toxins, which cooperate to the establishment of long lasting infections. An increasing resistance rate relative to the antibiotics recommended by current guidelines for the treatment of UTIs and an increasing number of multidrug resistant UPEC isolates were observed. In order to ameliorate the cure rate and improve the outcomes of patients, appropriate therapy founded on new strategies, as alternative to antibiotics, needs to be explored. Here, we take a snapshot of the current knowledge of coordinated efforts to develop innovative anti-infective strategies to control the diffusion of UPECs.
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35
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Phascinating Phages. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10071365. [PMID: 35889083 PMCID: PMC9320029 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10071365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of infections caused by bacteria has become more complex due to the increasing number of bacterial strains that are resistant to conventional antimicrobial therapy. A highly promising alternative appears to be bacteriophage (phage) therapy, in which natural predators of bacteria, bacteriophages, play a role. Although these viruses were first discovered in 1917, the development of phage therapy was impacted by the discovery of antibiotics, which spread more quickly and effectively in medical practice. Despite this, phage therapy has a long history in Eastern Europe; however, Western countries are currently striving to reintroduce phage therapy as a tool in the fight against diseases caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This review describes phage biology, bacterial and phage competition mechanisms, and the benefits and drawbacks of phage therapy. The results of various laboratory experiments, and clinical cases where phage therapy was administered, are described.
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36
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Zhang L, Huang W, Zhang S, Li Q, Wang Y, Chen T, Jiang H, Kong D, Lv Q, Zheng Y, Ren Y, Liu P, Jiang Y, Chen Y. Rapid Detection of Bacterial Pathogens and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Clinical Urine Samples With Urinary Tract Infection by Metagenomic Nanopore Sequencing. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:858777. [PMID: 35655992 PMCID: PMC9152355 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.858777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common acquired bacterial infections in humans. The current gold standard method for identification of uropathogens in clinical laboratories is cultivation. However, culture-based assays have substantial drawbacks, including long turnaround time and limited culturability of many potential pathogens. Nanopore sequencing technology can overcome these limitations and detect pathogens while also providing reliable predictions of drug susceptibility in clinical samples. Here, we optimized a metagenomic nanopore sequencing (mNPS) test for pathogen detection and identification in urine samples of 76 patients with acute uncomplicated UTIs. We first used twenty of these samples to show that library preparation by the PCR Barcoding Kit (PBK) led to the highest agreement of positive results with gold standard clinical culture tests, and enabled antibiotic resistance detection in downstream analyses. We then compared the detection results of mNPS with those of culture-based diagnostics and found that mNPS sensitivity and specificity of detection were 86.7% [95% confidence interval (CI), 73.5-94.1%] and 96.8% (95% CI, 82.4-99.9%), respectively, indicating that the mNPS method is a valid approach for rapid and specific detection of UTI pathogens. The mNPS results also performed well at predicting antibiotic susceptibility phenotypes. These results demonstrate that our workflow can accurately diagnose UTI-causative pathogens and enable successful prediction of drug-resistant phenotypes within 6 h of sample receipt. Rapid mNPS testing is thus a promising clinical diagnostic tool for infectious diseases, based on clinical urine samples from UTI patients, and shows considerable potential for application in other clinical infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Decong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyu Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuling Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yongqiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Chen
- College of Life Science, Yantai University, Yantai, China
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Krawczyk B, Wysocka M, Michalik M, Gołębiewska J. Urinary Tract Infections Caused by K. pneumoniae in Kidney Transplant Recipients – Epidemiology, Virulence and Antibiotic Resistance. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:861374. [PMID: 35531341 PMCID: PMC9068989 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.861374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are the most common complication in kidney transplant recipients, possibly resulting in the deterioration of a long-term kidney allograft function and an increased risk of recipient’s death. K. pneumoniae has emerged as one of the most prevalent etiologic agents in the context of recurrent urinary tract infections, especially with multidrug resistant strains. This paper discusses the epidemiology and risk factors associated with urinary tract infections in kidney transplant recipients, multi-drug resistance of K. pneumoniae (ESBL, KPC, NDM), treatment and pathogenesis of K. pneumoniae infections, and possible causes of recurrent UTIs. It also addresses the issue of colonization/becoming a carrier of K. pneumoniae in the gastrointestinal tract and asymptomatic bacteriuria in relation to a symptomatic UTI development and epidemiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Krawczyk
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
- *Correspondence: Beata Krawczyk,
| | - Magdalena Wysocka
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemistry, Gdańsk University of Technology, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Justyna Gołębiewska
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Vázquez R, Díez-Martínez R, Domingo-Calap P, García P, Gutiérrez D, Muniesa M, Ruiz-Ruigómez M, Sanjuán R, Tomás M, Tormo-Mas MÁ, García P. Essential Topics for the Regulatory Consideration of Phages as Clinically Valuable Therapeutic Agents: A Perspective from Spain. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10040717. [PMID: 35456768 PMCID: PMC9025261 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10040717] [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] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance is one of the major challenges that humankind shall face in the short term. (Bacterio)phage therapy is a valuable therapeutic alternative to antibiotics and, although the concept is almost as old as the discovery of phages, its wide application was hindered in the West by the discovery and development of antibiotics in the mid-twentieth century. However, research on phage therapy is currently experiencing a renaissance due to the antimicrobial resistance problem. Some countries are already adopting new ad hoc regulations to favor the short-term implantation of phage therapy in clinical practice. In this regard, the Phage Therapy Work Group from FAGOMA (Spanish Network of Bacteriophages and Transducing Elements) recently contacted the Spanish Drugs and Medical Devices Agency (AEMPS) to promote the regulation of phage therapy in Spain. As a result, FAGOMA was asked to provide a general view on key issues regarding phage therapy legislation. This review comes as the culmination of the FAGOMA initiative and aims at appropriately informing the regulatory debate on phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Vázquez
- Department of Biotechnology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | | | - Pilar Domingo-Calap
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (P.D.-C.); (R.S.)
| | - Pedro García
- Center for Biological Research Margarita Salas (CIB-CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Diana Gutiérrez
- Telum Therapeutics SL, 31110 Noáin, Spain; (R.D.-M.); (D.G.)
| | - Maite Muniesa
- Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - María Ruiz-Ruigómez
- Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, 28041 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Rafael Sanjuán
- Institute for Integrative Systems Biology, University of Valencia-CSIC, 46980 Paterna, Spain; (P.D.-C.); (R.S.)
| | - María Tomás
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital Universitario de A Coruña (INIBIC-CHUAC, SERGAS), 15006 A Coruña, Spain;
- Study Group on Mechanisms of Action and Resistance to Antimicrobials (GEMARA) on behalf of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC), 28003 Madrid, Spain
- Spanish Network for Research in Infectious Diseases (REIPI), 41071 Sevilla, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Infecciosas (CIBERINFEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Ángeles Tormo-Mas
- Severe Infection Group, Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe, Health Research Institute Hospital La Fe, IISLaFe, 46026 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Pilar García
- Dairy Research Institute of Asturias, IPLA-CSIC, 33300 Villaviciosa, Spain
- DairySafe Group, Health Research Institute of Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
Increasing antimicrobial resistance and medical device-related infections have led to a renewed interest in phage therapy as an alternative or adjunct to conventional antimicrobials. Expanded access and compassionate use cases have risen exponentially but have varied widely in approach, methodology, and clinical situations in which phage therapy might be considered. Large gaps in knowledge contribute to heterogeneity in approach and lack of consensus in many important clinical areas. The Antibacterial Resistance Leadership Group (ARLG) has convened a panel of experts in phage therapy, clinical microbiology, infectious diseases, and pharmacology, who worked with regulatory experts and a funding agency to identify questions based on a clinical framework and divided them into three themes: potential clinical situations in which phage therapy might be considered, laboratory testing, and pharmacokinetic considerations. Suggestions are provided as answers to a series of questions intended to inform clinicians considering experimental phage therapy for patients in their clinical practices.
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40
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Uyttebroek S, Chen B, Onsea J, Ruythooren F, Debaveye Y, Devolder D, Spriet I, Depypere M, Wagemans J, Lavigne R, Pirnay JP, Merabishvili M, De Munter P, Peetermans WE, Dupont L, Van Gerven L, Metsemakers WJ. Safety and efficacy of phage therapy in difficult-to-treat infections: a systematic review. THE LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2022; 22:e208-e220. [DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(21)00612-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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41
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González-Villalobos E, Molina-López J, Balcázar JL. Phage therapy for urinary tract infections: does it really work? Int Microbiol 2022; 25:665-667. [DOI: 10.1007/s10123-022-00237-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Lood C, Haas PJ, van Noort V, Lavigne R. Shopping for phages? Unpacking design rules for therapeutic phage cocktails. Curr Opin Virol 2021; 52:236-243. [PMID: 34971929 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In bacteriophage therapy, the combination of different phages into a single cocktail is of critical importance to overcome the narrow host range of single phage isolates. Today, the design of therapeutic cocktails is often akin to a black box and relies largely on intuition and (pre-)availability of isolates in local collections. Here we show that straightforward host range analysis can disclose design rules and we propose to apply/translate a data mining approach, historically applied in the field of marketing ('shopping cart analysis') to explore patterns in phage combinations. The technique is broadly applicable to host range datasets and can serve in combination with other molecular-based approaches to propose rationales for phage cocktail design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Lood
- Department of Biosystems, Laboratory of Gene Technology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Laboratory of Computational Systems Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Pieter-Jan Haas
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vera van Noort
- Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, Centre of Microbial and Plant Genetics, Laboratory of Computational Systems Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute of Biology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Department of Biosystems, Laboratory of Gene Technology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Abedon ST, Danis-Wlodarczyk KM, Alves DR. Phage Therapy in the 21st Century: Is There Modern, Clinical Evidence of Phage-Mediated Efficacy? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:1157. [PMID: 34832939 PMCID: PMC8625828 DOI: 10.3390/ph14111157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bacteriophages are obligate killers of bacteria. That this property could be medically useful was first recognized over one hundred years ago, with 2021 being the 100-year anniversary of the first clinical phage therapy publication. Here we consider modern use of phages in clinical settings. Our aim is to answer one question: do phages serve as effective anti-bacterial infection agents when used clinically? An important emphasis of our analyses is on whether phage therapy-associated anti-bacterial infection efficacy can be reasonably distinguished from that associated with often coadministered antibiotics. We find that about half of 70 human phage treatment reports-published in English thus far in the 2000s-are suggestive of phage-mediated anti-bacterial infection efficacy. Two of these are randomized, double-blinded, infection-treatment studies while 14 of those studies, in our opinion, provide superior evidence of a phage role in observed treatment successes. Roughly three-quarters of these potentially phage-mediated outcomes are based on microbiological as well as clinical results, with the rest based on clinical success. Since many of these phage treatments are of infections for which antibiotic therapy had not been successful, their collective effectiveness is suggestive of a valid utility in employing phages to treat otherwise difficult-to-cure bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen T. Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Mansfield, OH 44906, USA;
| | | | - Diana R. Alves
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Mansfield, OH 44906, USA;
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44
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Mijbel Ali B, Gatea Kaabi SA, Al-Bayati MA, Musafer HK. A Novel Phage Cocktail Therapy of the Urinary Tract Infection in a Mouse Model. ARCHIVES OF RAZI INSTITUTE 2021; 76:1229-1236. [PMID: 35355758 PMCID: PMC8934106 DOI: 10.22092/ari.2021.356004.1762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a major bacterial pathogen associated with many cases of serious infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTI) and meningitis intestinal. The rapid emergence of antimicrobial multidrug-resistant bacteria occurring worldwide has been attributed to the overuse of antibiotics. Alternative strategies must be developed to overcome antibiotic resistance. A promising alternative for the treatment of infections is the use of phages as antibacterial agents. A total of 90 female albino mice were randomly divided into three groups (n=30) and used for the induction of UTI. The animals were acclimatized in their cages for 24 h before inoculation and allowed to access chow and water freely. For UTI induction, the peri-urethral area was sterilized with 70% ethanol, and bacterial inoculation was then injected into the bladder through the urethra using a 24-gauge sterile Teflon catheter with an outer diameter of 0.7 mm and length of 19 mm. A single phage and a phage cocktail preparation have been evaluated for their therapeutic activity in the mouse model of chronic UTI induced by transurethral injection of two isolates of the uropathogenic E. coli 8 and E. coli 302. The results of the transurethral and intra-peritoneal injection of phage(s) that prepared on day 10 after the establishment of the mouse chronic model showed no effect of a single phage PEC80 in the treatment of UTI, whereas both administration routes of the phage cocktail preparation resulted in the clearance of bacteria from mice urine and homogenates of the urinary bladders and kidneys of the sacrificed mice after 24 h following the administration of phage cocktail dose. The high activity of the phage cocktail in the treatment of mouse chronic model of UTI is attributed to the broader host range of the phage cocktail, compared to the very narrow host range of the phage PEC80. It is concluded that the phage therapy by using phage preparations as the 25 phages cocktail evaluated in this study is a highly promising and potential alternative therapy for human UTIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Mijbel Ali
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - S A Gatea Kaabi
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - M A Al-Bayati
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
| | - H K Musafer
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, Mustansiriyah University, Baghdad, Iraq
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45
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Loose M, Sáez Moreno D, Mutti M, Hitzenhammer E, Visram Z, Dippel D, Schertler S, Tišáková LP, Wittmann J, Corsini L, Wagenlehner F. Natural Bred ε 2-Phages Have an Improved Host Range and Virulence against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli over Their Ancestor Phages. Antibiotics (Basel) 2021; 10:1337. [PMID: 34827275 PMCID: PMC8614997 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics10111337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative treatments for Escherichia coli infections are urgently needed, and phage therapy is a promising option where antibiotics fail, especially for urinary tract infections (UTI). We used wastewater-isolated phages to test their lytic activity against a panel of 47 E. coli strains reflecting the diversity of strains found in UTI, including sequence type 131, 73 and 69. The plaquing host range (PHR) was between 13 and 63%. In contrast, the kinetic host range (KHR), describing the percentage of strains for which growth in suspension was suppressed for 24 h, was between 0% and 19%, substantially lower than the PHR. To improve the phage host range and their efficacy, we bred the phages by mixing and propagating cocktails on a subset of E. coli strains. The bred phages, which we termed evolution-squared ε2-phages, of a mixture of Myoviridae have KHRs up to 23% broader compared to their ancestors. Furthermore, using constant phage concentrations, Myoviridae ε2-phages suppressed the growth of higher bacterial inocula than their ancestors did. Thus, the ε2-phages were more virulent compared to their ancestors. Analysis of the genetic sequences of the ε2-phages with the broadest host range reveals that they are mosaic intercrossings of 2-3 ancestor phages. The recombination sites are distributed over the whole length of the genome. All ε2-phages are devoid of genes conferring lysogeny, antibiotic resistance, or virulence. Overall, this study shows that ε2-phages are remarkably more suitable than the wild-type phages for phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Loose
- Clinic for Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.L.); (D.D.)
| | - David Sáez Moreno
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (M.M.); (E.H.); (Z.V.); (L.P.T.)
| | - Michele Mutti
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (M.M.); (E.H.); (Z.V.); (L.P.T.)
| | - Eva Hitzenhammer
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (M.M.); (E.H.); (Z.V.); (L.P.T.)
| | - Zehra Visram
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (M.M.); (E.H.); (Z.V.); (L.P.T.)
| | - David Dippel
- Clinic for Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.L.); (D.D.)
| | - Susanne Schertler
- DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganism and Cell Cultures GmbH, Leibniz Institute, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Lenka Podpera Tišáková
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (M.M.); (E.H.); (Z.V.); (L.P.T.)
- DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganism and Cell Cultures GmbH, Leibniz Institute, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Johannes Wittmann
- DSMZ—German Collection of Microorganism and Cell Cultures GmbH, Leibniz Institute, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany; (S.S.); (J.W.)
| | - Lorenzo Corsini
- PhagoMed Biopharma GmbH, A-1110 Vienna, Austria; (D.S.M.); (M.M.); (E.H.); (Z.V.); (L.P.T.)
| | - Florian Wagenlehner
- Clinic for Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, 35392 Giessen, Germany; (M.L.); (D.D.)
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46
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Vlassov VV, Tikunova NV, Morozova VV. Bacteriophages as Therapeutic Preparations: What Restricts Their Application in Medicine. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 85:1350-1361. [PMID: 33280578 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297920110061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of bacterial pathogens with multiple antibiotic resistance requires development of new approaches to control infections. Phage therapy is one of the most promising approaches. In recent years, research organizations and a number of pharmaceutical companies have intensified investigations aimed at developing bacteriophage-based therapeutics. In the United States and European countries, special centers have been established that experimentally apply phage therapy to treat patients who do not respond to antibiotic therapy. This review describes the features of bacteriophages as therapeutic tools, critically discusses the results of clinical trials of bacteriophage preparations, and assesses the prospects for using phage therapy to treat certain types of infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- V V Vlassov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia.
| | - N V Tikunova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
| | - V V Morozova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, 630090, Russia
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Liu D, Van Belleghem JD, de Vries CR, Burgener E, Chen Q, Manasherob R, Aronson JR, Amanatullah DF, Tamma PD, Suh GA. The Safety and Toxicity of Phage Therapy: A Review of Animal and Clinical Studies. Viruses 2021; 13:1268. [PMID: 34209836 PMCID: PMC8310247 DOI: 10.3390/v13071268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing rates of infection by antibiotic resistant bacteria have led to a resurgence of interest in bacteriophage (phage) therapy. Several phage therapy studies in animals and humans have been completed over the last two decades. We conducted a systematic review of safety and toxicity data associated with phage therapy in both animals and humans reported in English language publications from 2008-2021. Overall, 69 publications met our eligibility criteria including 20 animal studies, 35 clinical case reports or case series, and 14 clinical trials. After summarizing safety and toxicity data from these publications, we discuss potential approaches to optimize safety and toxicity monitoring with the therapeutic use of phage moving forward. In our systematic review of the literature, we found some adverse events associated with phage therapy, but serious events were extremely rare. Comprehensive and standardized reporting of potential toxicities associated with phage therapy has generally been lacking in the published literature. Structured safety and tolerability endpoints are necessary when phages are administered as anti-infective therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Department of Burn, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China;
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.D.V.B.); (C.R.d.V.); (Q.C.); (J.R.A.)
| | - Jonas D. Van Belleghem
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.D.V.B.); (C.R.d.V.); (Q.C.); (J.R.A.)
| | - Christiaan R. de Vries
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.D.V.B.); (C.R.d.V.); (Q.C.); (J.R.A.)
| | - Elizabeth Burgener
- Center for Excellence in Pulmonary Biology, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Qingquan Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.D.V.B.); (C.R.d.V.); (Q.C.); (J.R.A.)
| | - Robert Manasherob
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (R.M.); (D.F.A.)
| | - Jenny R. Aronson
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (J.D.V.B.); (C.R.d.V.); (Q.C.); (J.R.A.)
| | - Derek F. Amanatullah
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; (R.M.); (D.F.A.)
| | - Pranita D. Tamma
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Gina A. Suh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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48
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Johri AV, Johri P, Hoyle N, Pipia L, Nadareishvili L, Nizharadze D. Case Report: Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis Treated With Phage Therapy After Multiple Failed Antibiotic Treatments. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:692614. [PMID: 34177601 PMCID: PMC8222915 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.692614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis (CBP) is an inflammatory condition caused by a persistent bacterial infection of the prostate gland and its surrounding areas in the male pelvic region. It is most common in men under 50 years of age. It is a long-lasting and debilitating condition that severely deteriorates the patient’s quality of life. Anatomical limitations and antimicrobial resistance limit the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment of CBP. Bacteriophage therapy is proposed as a promising alternative treatment of CBP and related infections. Bacteriophage therapy is the use of lytic bacterial viruses to treat bacterial infections. Many cases of CBP are complicated by infections caused by both nosocomial and community acquired multidrug resistant bacteria. Frequently encountered strains include Vancomycin resistant Enterococci, Extended Spectrum Beta Lactam resistant Escherichia coli, other gram-positive organisms such as Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, Enterobacteriaceae such as Klebsiella and Proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among others. Case Presentation: We present a patient with the typical manifestations of CBP. The patient underwent multiple courses of antibiotic treatment without any long-term resolution of his symptoms. Testing of prostatic secretion and semen samples revealed pathogenic bacteria in each case, which collectively included members of the Staphylococcal species such as Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Staphylococcus haemolyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Streptococcus mitis, among others. Methods and Outcome: Bacteriophage preparations from the Eliava Institute were used to treat the patient after establishing phage sensitivity to the pathogenic bacteria. Significant improvements in symptoms and re-testing of samples after bacteriophage treatment indicated a reduction in the bacterial load and resolution of the infection. Discussion: The patient saw significant improvement of symptoms, and positive dynamics in bacterial titers and ultrasound controls after phage therapy. The failure of antibiotic therapy and subsequent success of bacteriophage therapy in treating chronic bacterial prostatitis shows the effectiveness of bacteriophages in controlling chronic infections in areas of low vascularity and anatomical complexity. These cases also highlight the efficacy of phages in overcoming antibiotic-resistant infections as well as biofilm infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naomi Hoyle
- Eliava Phage Therapy Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Levan Pipia
- Eliava Phage Therapy Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
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49
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Perez-Carrasco V, Soriano-Lerma A, Soriano M, Gutiérrez-Fernández J, Garcia-Salcedo JA. Urinary Microbiome: Yin and Yang of the Urinary Tract. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:617002. [PMID: 34084752 PMCID: PMC8167034 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.617002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The application of next generation sequencing techniques has allowed the characterization of the urinary tract microbiome and has led to the rejection of the pre-established concept of sterility in the urinary bladder. Not only have microbial communities in the urinary tract been implicated in the maintenance of health but alterations in their composition have also been associated with different urinary pathologies, such as urinary tract infections (UTI). Therefore, the study of the urinary microbiome in healthy individuals, as well as its involvement in disease through the proliferation of opportunistic pathogens, could open a potential field of study, leading to new insights into prevention, diagnosis and treatment strategies for urinary pathologies. In this review we present an overview of the current state of knowledge about the urinary microbiome in health and disease, as well as its involvement in the development of new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Perez-Carrasco
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute (IBS.Granada), Granada, Spain
| | - Ana Soriano-Lerma
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology "Jose' Mataix", University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel Soriano
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Center for Intensive Mediterranean Agrosystems and Agri-food Biotechnology (CIAMBITAL), University of Almeria, Almeria, Spain
| | - José Gutiérrez-Fernández
- Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute (IBS.Granada), Granada, Spain
| | - Jose A Garcia-Salcedo
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,Microbiology Unit, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Biosanitary Research Institute (IBS.Granada), Granada, Spain
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Abstract
Bacteriophages are the most diverse and abundant biological entities on the Earth and require host bacteria to replicate. Because of this obligate relationship, in addition to the challenging conditions of surrounding environments, phages must integrate information about extrinsic and intrinsic factors when infecting their host. This integration helps to determine whether the infection becomes lytic or lysogenic, which likely influences phage spreading and long-term survival. Although a variety of environmental and physiological clues are known to modulate lysis-lysogeny decisions, the social interplay among phages and host populations has been overlooked until recently. A growing body of evidence indicates that cell-cell communication in bacteria and, more recently, peptide-based communication among phage-phage populations, affect phage-host interactions by controlling phage lysis-lysogeny decisions and phage counter-defensive strategies in bacteria. Here, we explore and discuss the role of signal molecules as well as quorum sensing and quenching factors that mediate phage-host interactions. Our aim is to provide an overview of population-dependent mechanisms that influence phage replication, and how social communication may affect the dynamics and evolution of microbial communities, including their implications in phage therapy.
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