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Vu NT, Kim H, Lee S, Hwang IS, Kwon CT, Oh CS. Bacteriophage cocktail for biocontrol of soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium species in Chinese cabbage. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2024; 108:11. [PMID: 38159122 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-023-12881-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Pectobacterium spp. are necrotrophic plant pathogens that cause the soft rot disease in Chinese cabbage, resulting in severe yield loss. The use of conventional antimicrobial agents, copper-based bactericides, and antibiotics has encountered several limitations, such as bioaccumulation on plants and microbial resistance. Bacteriophages (phages) are considered promising alternative antimicrobial agents against diverse phytopathogens. In this study, we isolated and characterized two virulent phages (phiPccP-2 and phiPccP-3) to develop a phage cocktail. Morphological and genomic analyses revealed that two phages belonged to the Tevenvirinae and Mccorquodalevirinae subfamilies, respectively. The phiPccP-2 and phiPccP-3 phages, which have a broad host range, were stable at various environmental conditions, such as various pHs and temperatures and exposure to ultraviolet light. The phage cocktail developed using these two lytic phages inhibited the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria compared to single-phage treatments in in vitro challenge assays. The phage cocktail treatment effectively prevented the development of soft rot symptom in matured Chinese cabbage leaves. Additionally, the phage cocktail comprising three phages (phiPccP-1, phiPccP-2, and phiPccP-3) showed superior biocontrol efficacy against the mixture of Pectobacterium strains in Chinese cabbage seedlings. These results suggest that developing phage cocktails is an effective approach for biocontrol of soft rot disease caused by Pectobacterium strains in crops compared to single-phage treatments. KEY POINTS: •Two newly isolated Pectobacterium phages, phiPccP-2 and phiPccP-3, infected diverse Pectobacterium species and effectively inhibited the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria. •Genomic and physiological analyses suggested that both phiPccP-2 and phiPccP-3 are lytic phages and that their lytic activities are stable in the environmental conditions under which Chinese cabbage grows. •Treatment using a phage cocktail comprising phiPccP-2 and phiPccP-3 efficiently suppressed soft rot disease in detached mature leaves and seedlings of Chinese cabbage, indicating the applicability of the phage cocktail as an alternative antimicrobial agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Trung Vu
- Department of Green-Bio Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeongsoon Kim
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohong Lee
- Department of Green-Bio Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - In Sun Hwang
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Choon-Tak Kwon
- Department of Green-Bio Science, Kyung Hee University, Yongin, 17104, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Sik Oh
- Research Institute of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Plant Genomics and Breeding Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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De Luca V, Giovannuzzi S, Supuran CT, Capasso C. A comprehensive investigation of the anion inhibition profile of a β-carbonic anhydrase from Acinetobacter baumannii for crafting innovative antimicrobial treatments. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2024; 39:2372731. [PMID: 39012078 PMCID: PMC467105 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2024.2372731] [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: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
This study refers to the intricate world of Acinetobacter baumannii, a resilient pathogenic bacterium notorious for its propensity at antibiotic resistance in nosocomial infections. Expanding upon previous findings that emphasised the bifunctional enzyme PaaY, revealing unexpected γ-carbonic anhydrase (CA) activity, our research focuses on a different class of CA identified within the A. baumannii genome, the β-CA, designated as 𝛽-AbauCA (also indicated as CanB), which plays a crucial role in the resistance mechanism mediated by AmpC beta-lactamase. Here, we cloned, expressed, and purified the recombinant 𝛽-AbauCA, unveiling its distinctive kinetic properties and inhibition profile with inorganic anions (classical CA inhibitors). The exploration of 𝛽-AbauCA not only enhances our understanding of the CA repertoire of A. baumannii but also establishes a foundation for targeted therapeutic interventions against this resilient pathogen, promising advancements in combating its adaptability and antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana De Luca
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Naples, Italy
| | - Simone Giovannuzzi
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Claudiu T. Supuran
- Neurofarba Department, Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Section, University of Florence, Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Clemente Capasso
- Department of Biology, Agriculture and Food Sciences, National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, Naples, Italy
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Pedersen JS, Carstens AB, Rothgard MM, Roy C, Viry A, Papudeshi B, Kot W, Hille F, Franz CMAP, Edwards R, Hansen LH. A novel genus of Pectobacterium bacteriophages display broad host range by targeting several species of Danish soft rot isolates. Virus Res 2024; 347:199435. [PMID: 38986742 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2024.199435] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
The bacterial diseases black leg and soft rot in potatoes cause heavy losses of potatoes worldwide. Bacteria within the genus Pectobacteriaceae are the causative agents of black leg and soft rot. The use of antibiotics in agriculture is heavily regulated and no other effective treatment currently exists, but bacteriophages (phages) have shown promise as potential biocontrol agents. In this study we isolated soft rot bacteria from potato tubers and plant tissue displaying soft rot or black leg symptoms collected in Danish fields. We then used the isolated bacterial strains as hosts for phage isolation. Using organic waste, we isolated phages targeting different species within Pectobacterium. Here we focus on seven of these phages representing a new genus primarily targeting P. brasiliense; phage Ymer, Amona, Sabo, Abuela, Koroua, Taid and Pappous. TEM image of phage Ymer showed siphovirus morphotype, and the proposed Ymer genus belongs to the class Caudoviricetes, with double-stranded DNA genomes varying from 39 kb to 43 kb. In silico host range prediction using a CRISPR-Cas spacer database suggested both P. brasiliense, P. polaris and P. versatile as natural hosts for phages within the proposed Ymer genus. A following host range experiment, using 47 bacterial isolates from Danish tubers and plants symptomatic with soft rot or black leg disease verified the in silico host range prediction, as the genus as a group were able to infect all three Pectobacterium species. Phages did, however, primarily target P. brasiliense isolates and displayed differences in host range even within the species level. Two of the phages were able to infect two or more Pectobacterium species. Despite no nucleotide similarity with any phages in the NCBI database, the proposed Ymer genus did share some similarity at the protein level, as well as gene synteny, with currently known phages. None of the phages encoded integrases or other genes typically associated with lysogeny. Similarly, no virulence factors nor antimicrobial resistance genes were found, and combined with their ability to infect several soft rot-causing Pectobacterium species from Danish fields, demonstrates their potential as biocontrol agents against soft rot and black leg diseases in potatoes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Stenberg Pedersen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Alexander Byth Carstens
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Magnus Mulbjerg Rothgard
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Chayan Roy
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Anouk Viry
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Bhavya Papudeshi
- Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Witold Kot
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark
| | - Frank Hille
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institute, Hermann-Weigmann-Str. 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany
| | - Charles M A P Franz
- Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, Max Rubner-Institute, Hermann-Weigmann-Str. 1, 24103 Kiel, Germany
| | - Robert Edwards
- Flinders Accelerator for Microbiome Exploration, College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Lars Hestbjerg Hansen
- Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, Frederiksberg 1871, Denmark.
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Gholizadeh O, Ghaleh HEG, Tat M, Ranjbar R, Dorostkar R. The potential use of bacteriophages as antibacterial agents against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Virol J 2024; 21:191. [PMID: 39160541 PMCID: PMC11334591 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02450-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most common bacteria that cause nosocomial infections is Klebsiella pneumonia (K. pneumoniae), especially in patients who are very sick and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). The frequency of multi-drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDRKP) has dramatically increased worldwide in recent decades, posing an urgent threat to public health. The Western world's bacteriophage (phage) studies have been revitalized due to the increasing reports of antimicrobial resistance and the restricted development and discovery of new antibiotics. These factors have also spurred innovation in other scientific domains. The primary agent in phage treatment is an obligately lytic organism (called bacteriophage) that kills the corresponding bacterial host while sparing human cells and lessening the broader effects of antibiotic usage on commensal bacteria. Phage treatment is developing quickly, leading to many clinical studies and instances of life-saving medicinal use. In addition, phage treatment has a few immunological adverse effects and consequences in addition to its usefulness. Since K. pneumoniae antibiotic resistance has made treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections challenging, phage therapy (PT) has emerged as a novel therapeutic strategy. The effectiveness of phages has also been investigated in K. pneumoniae biofilms and animal infection models. Compared with antibiotics, PT exhibits numerous advantages, including a particular lysis spectrum, co-evolution with bacteria to avoid the emergence of phage resistance, and a higher abundance and diversity of phage resources than found in antibiotics. Moreover, phages are eliminated in the absence of a host bacterium, which makes them the only therapeutic agent that self-regulates at the sites of infection. Therefore, it is essential to pay attention to the role of PT in treating these infections. This study summarizes the state of knowledge on Klebsiella spp. phages and provides an outlook on the development of phage-based treatments that target K. pneumoniae in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omid Gholizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hadi Esmaeili Gouvarchin Ghaleh
- Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Tat
- Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Ranjbar
- Molecular Biology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ruhollah Dorostkar
- Applied Virology Research Center, Biomedicine Technologies Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Dutta M, Acharya P. Cryo-electron microscopy in the study of virus entry and infection. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1429180. [PMID: 39114367 PMCID: PMC11303226 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1429180] [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: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Viruses have been responsible for many epidemics and pandemics that have impacted human life globally. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted both our vulnerability to viral outbreaks, as well as the mobilization of the scientific community to come together to combat the unprecedented threat to humanity. Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) played a central role in our understanding of SARS-CoV-2 during the pandemic and continues to inform about this evolving pathogen. Cryo-EM with its two popular imaging modalities, single particle analysis (SPA) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), has contributed immensely to understanding the structure of viruses and interactions that define their life cycles and pathogenicity. Here, we review how cryo-EM has informed our understanding of three distinct viruses, of which two - HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 infect humans, and the third, bacteriophages, infect bacteria. For HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 our focus is on the surface glycoproteins that are responsible for mediating host receptor binding, and host and cell membrane fusion, while for bacteriophages, we review their structure, capsid maturation, attachment to the bacterial cell surface and infection initiation mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Dutta
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Priyamvada Acharya
- Duke Human Vaccine Institute, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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6
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Pal N, Sharma P, Kumawat M, Singh S, Verma V, Tiwari RR, Sarma DK, Nagpal R, Kumar M. Phage therapy: an alternative treatment modality for MDR bacterial infections. Infect Dis (Lond) 2024:1-33. [PMID: 39017931 DOI: 10.1080/23744235.2024.2379492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The increasing global incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections threatens public health and compromises various aspects of modern medicine. Recognising the urgency of this issue, the World Health Organisation has prioritised the development of novel antimicrobials to combat ESKAPEE pathogens. Comprising Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli, such pathogens represent a spectrum of high to critical drug resistance, accounting for a significant proportion of hospital-acquired infections worldwide. In response to the waning efficacy of antibiotics against these resilient pathogens, phage therapy (PT) has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy. This review provides a comprehensive summary of clinical research on PT and explores the translational journey of phages from laboratory settings to clinical applications. It examines recent advancements in pre-clinical and clinical developments, highlighting the potential of phages and their proteins, alone or in combination with antibiotics. Furthermore, this review underlines the importance of establishing safe and approved routes of phage administration to patients. In conclusion, the evolving landscape of phage therapy offers a beacon of hope in the fight against MDR bacterial infections, emphasising the imperative for continued research, innovation and regulatory diligence to realise its full potential in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Pal
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
- Department of Microbiology, Barkatullah University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Poonam Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Manoj Kumawat
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Samradhi Singh
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vinod Verma
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rajnarayan R Tiwari
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Devojit Kumar Sarma
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Ravinder Nagpal
- Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, College of Health and Human Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Microbiology, ICMR-National Institute for Research in Environmental Health, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
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Ponce Benavente L, Wagemans J, Hinkel D, Aguerri Lajusticia A, Lavigne R, Trampuz A, Gonzalez Moreno M. Targeted enhancement of bacteriophage activity against antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus aureus biofilms through an evolutionary assay. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1372325. [PMID: 39040906 PMCID: PMC11260789 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1372325] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus´ biofilm-forming ability and rapid resistance development pose a significant challenge to successful treatment, particularly in postoperative complications, emphasizing the need for enhanced therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy has reemerged as a promising and safe option to combat multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, questions regarding the efficacy of phages against biofilms and the development of phage resistance require further evaluation. Expanding on the adaptable and evolutionary characteristics of phages, we introduce an evolutionary approach to enhance the activity of S. aureus phages against biofilms. Unlike other in vitro directed evolution methods performed in planktonic cultures, we employed pre-stablished biofilms to do a serial-passage assay to evolve phages monitored by real-time isothermal microcalorimetry (IMC). The evolved phages demonstrated an expanded host range, with the CUB_MRSA-COL_R9 phage infecting 83% of strains in the collection (n = 72), surpassing the ISP phage, which represented the widest host range (44%) among the ancestral phages. In terms of antimicrobial efficacy, IMC data revealed superior suppression of bacterial growth by the evolved phages compared to the ancestral CUB-M and/or ISP phages against the respective bacterial strain. The phage cocktail exhibited higher efficacy, achieving over 90% suppression relative to the growth control even after 72 h of monitoring. Biofilm cell-counts, determined by RT-qPCR, confirmed the enhanced antibiofilm performance of evolved phages with no biofilm regrowth up to 48 h in treated MRSA15 and MRSA-COL strains. Overall, our results underscore the potential of biofilm-adapted phage cocktails to improve clinical outcomes in biofilm-associated infections, minimizing the emergence of resistance and lowering the risk of infection relapse. However, further investigation is necessary to evaluate the translatability of our results from in vitro to in vivo models, especially in the context of combination therapy with the current standard of care treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Ponce Benavente
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Dennis Hinkel
- Institut für Chemie und Biochemie, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alba Aguerri Lajusticia
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrej Trampuz
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mercedes Gonzalez Moreno
- Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt, Center for Musculoskeletal Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Xue Y, Gao Y, Guo M, Zhang Y, Zhao G, Xia L, Ma J, Cheng Y, Wang H, Sun J, Wang Z, Yan Y. Phage cocktail superimposed disinfection: A ecological strategy for preventing pathogenic bacterial infections in dairy farms. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2024; 252:118720. [PMID: 38537740 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2024.118720] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Bovine mastitis (BM) is mainly caused by bacterial infection that has a highly impact on dairy production, affecting both economic viability and animal well-being. A cross-sectional study was conducted in dairy farms to investigate the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens associated with BM. The analysis revealed that Staphylococcus (49%), Escherichia (16%), Pseudomonas (11%), and Klebsiella (6%) were the primary bacterial pathogens associated with mastitis. A significant proportion of Staphylococcus strains displayed multiple drug resistance. The use of disinfectants is an important conventional measure to control the pathogenic bacteria in the environment. Bacteriophages (Phages), possessing antibacterial properties, are natural green and effective disinfectants. Moreover, they mitigate the risk of generating harmful disinfection byproducts, which are commonly associated with traditional disinfection methods. Based on the primary bacterial pathogens associated with mastitis in the investigation area, a phage cocktail, named SPBC-SJ, containing seven phages capable of lysing S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa was formulated. SPBC-SJ exhibited superior bactericidal activity and catharsis effect on pollutants (glass surface) compared to chemical disinfectants. Clinical trials confirmed that the SPBC-SJ-based superimposed disinfection group (phage combined with chemical disinfectants) not only cut down the dosage of disinfectants used, but significantly reduced total bacterial counts on the ground and in the feeding trough of dairy farms. Furthermore, SPBC-SJ significantly reduced the abundance of Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas in the environment of the dairy farm. These findings suggest that phage-based superimposed disinfection is a promising alternative method to combat mastitis pathogens in dairy farms due to its highly efficient and environmentally-friendly properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Xue
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Ya Gao
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Mengting Guo
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Yumin Zhang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Guoqing Zhao
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Lu Xia
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jingjiao Ma
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Yuqiang Cheng
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Hengan Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Jianhe Sun
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Zhaofei Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China.
| | - Yaxian Yan
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Veterinary Biotechnology, Shanghai 201100, China.
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9
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Choi YJ, Kim S, Shin M, Kim J. Isolation and Characterization of Novel Bacteriophages to Target Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:610. [PMID: 39061292 PMCID: PMC11273472 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13070610] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The spread of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in hospitals and nursing homes poses serious healthcare challenges. Therefore, we aimed to isolate and characterize lytic bacteriophages targeting carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). Of the 21 isolated A. baumannii phages, 11 exhibited potent lytic activities against clinical isolates of CRAB. Based on host spectrum and RAPD-PCR results, 11 phages were categorized into four groups. Three phages (vB_AbaP_W8, vB_AbaSi_W9, and vB_AbaSt_W16) were further characterized owing to their antibacterial efficacy, morphology, and whole-genome sequence and were found to lyse 37.93%, 89.66%, and 37.93%, respectively, of the 29 tested CRAB isolates. The lytic spectrum of phages varied depending on the multilocus sequence type (MLST) of the CRAB isolates. The three phages contained linear double-stranded DNA genomes, with sizes of 41,326-166,741 bp and GC contents of 34.4-35.6%. Genome-wide phylogenetic analysis and single gene-based tree construction revealed no correlation among the three phages. Moreover, no genes were associated with lysogeny, antibiotic resistance, or bacterial toxins. Therefore, the three novel phages represent potential candidates for phage therapy against CRAB infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jungmin Kim
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea; (Y.-J.C.); (S.K.); (M.S.)
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10
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Greenrod STE, Cazares D, Johnson S, Hector TE, Stevens EJ, MacLean RC, King KC. Warming alters life-history traits and competition in a phage community. Appl Environ Microbiol 2024; 90:e0028624. [PMID: 38624196 PMCID: PMC11107170 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00286-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Host-parasite interactions are highly susceptible to changes in temperature due to mismatches in species thermal responses. In nature, parasites often exist in communities, and responses to temperature are expected to vary between host-parasite pairs. Temperature change thus has consequences for both host-parasite dynamics and parasite-parasite interactions. Here, we investigate the impact of warming (37°C, 40°C, and 42°C) on parasite life-history traits and competition using the opportunistic bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa (host) and a panel of three genetically diverse lytic bacteriophages (parasites). We show that phages vary in their responses to temperature. While 37°C and 40°C did not have a major effect on phage infectivity, infection by two phages was restricted at 42°C. This outcome was attributed to disruption of different phage life-history traits including host attachment and replication inside hosts. Furthermore, we show that temperature mediates competition between phages by altering their competitiveness. These results highlight phage trait variation across thermal regimes with the potential to drive community dynamics. Our results have important implications for eukaryotic viromes and the design of phage cocktail therapies.IMPORTANCEMammalian hosts often elevate their body temperatures through fevers to restrict the growth of bacterial infections. However, the extent to which fever temperatures affect the communities of phages with the ability to parasitize those bacteria remains unclear. In this study, we investigate the impact of warming across a fever temperature range (37°C, 40°C, and 42°C) on phage life-history traits and competition using a bacterium (host) and bacteriophage (parasite) system. We show that phages vary in their responses to temperature due to disruption of different phage life-history traits. Furthermore, we show that temperature can alter phage competitiveness and shape phage-phage competition outcomes. These results suggest that fever temperatures have the potential to restrict phage infectivity and drive phage community dynamics. We discuss implications for the role of temperature in shaping host-parasite interactions more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Cazares
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Serena Johnson
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Tobias E. Hector
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily J. Stevens
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - R. Craig MacLean
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Kayla C. King
- Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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11
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Sevilla-Navarro S, Torres-Boncompte J, Garcia-Llorens J, Bernabéu-Gimeno M, Domingo-Calap P, Catalá-Gregori P. Fighting Salmonella Infantis: bacteriophage-driven cleaning and disinfection strategies for broiler farms. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1401479. [PMID: 38812676 PMCID: PMC11134195 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1401479] [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: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause food-borne infections and is responsible for the most common gastrointestinal illnesses. The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains worldwide is a major threat, representing a major challenge in public health. To reduce its incidence, the One Health approach is required, and the development of new biocontrol protocols will help prevent or eliminate the spread of Salmonella. Prevention measures, such as on-farm cleaning and disinfection protocols, are a crucial step in reducing infection to new flocks and eliminating bacteria that remain in the facilities. However, MDR Salmonella species, such as S. Infantis, are highly resistant to conventional cleaning and disinfection protocols, with an increased ability to persist in the broiler farm environment. The need for alternative biocontrol methods has led to the use of bacteriophages or phages, viruses that target bacteria, as promising tools. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of phages as a biocide against S. Infantis isolates in combination with cleaning and disinfection protocols in 10 commercial poultry farms. Methods All commercial farms selected in this study had persistent Salmonella, even after the routinely used cleaning and disinfection procedures. In addition, Salmonella isolated before treatment were phenotypically characterized by antimicrobial resistance patterns. Results The results showed that 100% of S. Infantis were resistant to at least one antibiotic, and > 70% were MDR. Phages were then isolated against the in-farm bacteria, purified, and multiplied for each poultry farm. The cleaning and disinfection protocols included the application of the lytic phages (vB_Si_CECAV_FGS009; vB_Si_CECAV_FGS017; vB_Si_CECAV_FGS029 and vB_Si_CECAV _FGS030) twice at 24-h intervals between cleaning and disinfection. Following the cleaning and disinfection procedures, Salmonella detection was reduced from 100% after cleaning to 36% after applying the phages and dropped to 0% after the final step of disinfection, thus eliminating Salmonella from the farm facilities. Discussion This study demonstrates that bacteriophage application after cleaning and before disinfection enhances the removal of MDR Salmonella Infantis in commercial broiler farms, suggesting their use as biocontrol agents to reduce Salmonella, a major public health concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Sevilla-Navarro
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), Castellón, Spain
| | - Jan Torres-Boncompte
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), Castellón, Spain
| | - Josep Garcia-Llorens
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), Castellón, Spain
| | - Mireia Bernabéu-Gimeno
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas, Universitat de València-CSIC, Paterna, Spain
| | - Pilar Domingo-Calap
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas, Universitat de València-CSIC, Paterna, Spain
| | - Pablo Catalá-Gregori
- Centro de Calidad Avícola y Alimentación Animal de la Comunidad Valenciana (CECAV), Castellón, Spain
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12
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Shiue SJ, Wu MS, Chiang YH, Lin HY. Bacteriophage-cocktail hydrogel dressing to prevent multiple bacterial infections and heal diabetic ulcers in mice. J Biomed Mater Res A 2024. [PMID: 38706446 DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37728] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) has been reported to reduce the bacterial infection in delayed-healing wounds and, as a result, aiding in the healing of said wounds. In this study we investigated whether the presence of phage itself could help repair delayed-healing wounds in diabetic mice. Three strains of phage that target Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were used. To prevent the phage liquid from running off the wound, the mixture of phage (phage-cocktail) was encapsulated in a porous hydrogel dressing made with three-dimensional printing. The phage-cocktail dressing was tested for its phage preservation and release efficacy, bacterial reduction, cytotoxicity with 3T3 fibroblast, and performance in repairing a sterile full-thickness skin wound in diabetic mice. The phage-cocktail dressing released 1.7%-5.7% of the phages embedded in 24 h, and reduced between 37%-79% of the surface bacteria compared with the blank dressing (p <.05). The phage-cocktail dressing exhibited no sign of cytotoxicity after 3 days (p <.05). In vivo studies showed that 14 days after incision, the full-thickness wound treated with a phage-cocktail dressing had a higher wound healing ratio compared with the blank dressing and control (p <.01). Histological analysis showed that the structure of the skin layers in the group treated with phage-cocktail dressing was restored in an orderly fashion. Compared with the blank dressing and control, the repaired tissue in the phage-cocktail dressing group had new capillary vessels and no sign of inflammation in its dermis, and its epidermis had a higher degree of re-epithelialization (p <.05). The slow-released phage has demonstrated positive effects in repairing diabetic skin wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Jie Shiue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Shun Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsien Chiang
- Graduate Institute of Chemical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Lin
- Graduate Institute of Chemical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biochemical and Biomedical Engineering, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei, Taiwan
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13
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Lossouarn J, Beurrier E, Bouteau A, Moncaut E, Sir Silmane M, Portalier H, Zouari A, Cattoir V, Serror P, Petit MA. The virtue of training: extending phage host spectra against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains using the Appelmans method. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024; 68:e0143923. [PMID: 38591854 PMCID: PMC11210271 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01439-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy has (re)emerged as a serious possibility for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections, including those caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains. These opportunistic pathogens belong to a specific clonal complex 17, against which relatively few phages have been screened. We isolated a collection of 21 virulent phages growing on these vancomycin-resistant isolates. Each of these phages harbored a typical narrow plaquing host range, lysing at most 5 strains and covering together 10 strains of our panel of 14 clinical isolates. To enlarge the host spectrum of our phages, the Appelmans protocol was used. We mixed four out of our most complementary phages in a cocktail that we iteratively grew on eight naive strains from our panel, of which six were initially refractory to at least three of the combined phages. Fifteen successive passages permitted to significantly improve the lytic activity of the cocktail, from which phages with extended host ranges within the E. faecium species could be isolated. A single evolved phage able to kill up to 10 of the 14 initial E. faecium strains was obtained, and it barely infected nearby species. All evolved phages had acquired point mutations or a recombination event in the tail fiber genetic region, suggesting these genes might have driven phage evolution by contributing to their extended host spectra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Lossouarn
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elsa Beurrier
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Astrid Bouteau
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Elisabeth Moncaut
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Maria Sir Silmane
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Heïdi Portalier
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Asma Zouari
- CHU de Rennes, Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière et CNR de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques (laboratoire associé "Entérocoques"), Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Cattoir
- CHU de Rennes, Service de Bactériologie-Hygiène Hospitalière et CNR de la Résistance aux Antibiotiques (laboratoire associé "Entérocoques"), Rennes, France
- Université de Rennes, INSERM, UMR_S1230 BRM, Rennes, France
| | - Pascale Serror
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Marie-Agnès Petit
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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14
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Manley R, Fitch C, Francis V, Temperton I, Turner D, Fletcher J, Phil M, Michell S, Temperton B. Resistance to bacteriophage incurs a cost to virulence in drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. J Med Microbiol 2024; 73:001829. [PMID: 38743467 PMCID: PMC11170128 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction . Acinetobacter baumannii is a critical priority pathogen for novel antimicrobials (World Health Organization) because of the rise in nosocomial infections and its ability to evolve resistance to last resort antibiotics. A. baumannii is thus a priority target for phage therapeutics. Two strains of a novel, virulent bacteriophage (LemonAid and Tonic) able to infect carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (strain NCTC 13420), were isolated from environmental water samples collected through a citizen science programme.Gap statement. Phage-host coevolution can lead to emergence of host resistance, with a concomitant reduction in the virulence of host bacteria; a potential benefit to phage therapy applications.Methodology. In vitro and in vivo assays, genomics and microscopy techniques were used to characterize the phages; determine mechanisms and impact of phage resistance on host virulence, and the efficacy of the phages against A. baumannii.Results. A. baumannii developed resistance to both viruses, LemonAid and Tonic. Resistance came at a cost to virulence, with the resistant variants causing significantly reduced mortality in a Galleria mellonella larval in vivo model. A replicated 8 bp insertion increased in frequency (~40 % higher frequency than in the wild-type) within phage-resistant A. baumannii mutants, putatively resulting in early truncation of a protein of unknown function. Evidence from comparative genomics and an adsorption assay suggests this protein acts as a novel phage receptor site in A. baumannii. We find no evidence linking resistance to changes in capsule structure, a known virulence factor. LemonAid efficiently suppressed growth of A. baumanni in vitro across a wide range of titres. However, in vivo, while survival of A. baumannii infected larvae significantly increased with both remedial and prophylactic treatment with LemonAid (107 p.f.u. ml-1), the effect was weak and not sufficient to save larvae from morbidity and mortality.Conclusion. While LemonAid and Tonic did not prove effective as a treatment in a Galleria larvae model, there is potential to harness their ability to attenuate virulence in drug-resistant A. baumannii.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Manley
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Christian Fitch
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Vanessa Francis
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Isaac Temperton
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Dann Turner
- School of Applied Sciences, College of Health, Science and Society, University of the West of England, Bristol, Frenchay Campus, Coldharbour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK
| | - Julie Fletcher
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Mitchelmore Phil
- University of Exeter, College of Medicine and Health, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital, Barrack Road, Exeter, EX2 5DW, UK
| | - Steve Michell
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Ben Temperton
- University of Exeter, Health and Life Sciences, Streatham Campus, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
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15
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Vaz CSL, da Fonseca FN, Voss-Rech D, Morés MAZ, Coldebella A, Cantão ME. Wild-type lytic bacteriophages against Salmonella Heidelberg: Further characterization and effect of prophylactic therapy in broiler chickens. Res Vet Sci 2024; 171:105247. [PMID: 38554611 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105247] [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: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
To characterize wild-type bacteriophages and their effect on Salmonella Heidelberg intestinal colonization in broilers, phages combined in a cocktail were continuously delivered via drinking water since the first day after hatching. After challenge with a field strain, broilers were evaluated at regular intervals for S. Heidelberg and bacteriophages in tissues and cecum, and gross and microscopic lesions in organs. Phages were highly virulent against S. Heidelberg by efficiency of plating. One-step growth curves exhibited eclipse period from 20 to 25 min, whereas the lowest latent period and higher burst size found were 45 min and 54 PFU/cell, respectively. Bacteriophage whole genomic sequencing analyses revealed a lack of genes related to lysogeny, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence factors. Relevant gross or microscopic lesions were absent in tissues analyzed from treated broilers. Although numerically stable bacteriophage concentrations were detected in the cecal contents of treated broilers, no significant difference was found for the S. Heidelberg cecal load in comparison to the untreated group and for the prevalence of positive tissues throughout the evaluated period. The phages produced turbid plaques against some S. Heidelberg re-isolated from treated broilers, suggesting the evolving of a resistant subpopulation. Overall, the results provide new evidence of the safety and in vitro replication of such phages in S. Heidelberg. Nevertheless, continuous administration of the phage suspension most likely induced the development of bacteriophage-resistant mutants, which might have affected the in vivo effect. Therefore, a putative administration protocol should be based on other strategies, such as short-term therapy at pre-harvest age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daiane Voss-Rech
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, BR 153, Km 110, PO box 321, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89715899, Brazil
| | | | - Arlei Coldebella
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, BR 153, Km 110, PO box 321, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89715899, Brazil
| | - Maurício Egídio Cantão
- Embrapa Suínos e Aves, BR 153, Km 110, PO box 321, Concórdia, Santa Catarina 89715899, Brazil
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16
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Glonti T, Goossens M, Cochez C, Green S, Gorivale S, Wagemans J, Lavigne R, Pirnay JP. Use of the Naturally Occurring Bacteriophage Grouping Model for the Design of Potent Therapeutic Cocktails. Antibiotics (Basel) 2024; 13:385. [PMID: 38786114 PMCID: PMC11117255 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics13050385] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The specificity of phages and their ability to evolve and overcome bacterial resistance make them potentially useful as adjuncts in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. The goal of this study was to mimic a natural grouping of phages of interest and to evaluate the nature of their proliferation dynamics with bacteria. We have, for the first time, transferred naturally occurring phage groups directly from their sources of isolation to in vitro and identified 13 P. aeruginosa and 11 K. pneumoniae phages of 18 different genera, whose host range was grouped as 1.2-17%, 28-48% and 60-87%, using a large collection of P. aeruginosa (n = 102) and K. pneumoniae (n = 155) strains carrying different virulence factors and phage binding receptors. We introduced the interpretation model curve for phage liquid culturing, which allows easy and quick analysis of bacterial and phage co-proliferation and growth of phage-resistant mutants (PRM) based on qualitative and partially quantitative evaluations. We assayed phage lytic activities both individually and in 14 different cocktails on planktonic bacterial cultures, including three resistotypes of P. aeruginosa (PAO1, PA14 and PA7) and seven K. pneumoniae strains of different capsular serotypes. Based on the results, the natural phage cocktails designed and tested in this study largely performed well and inhibited PRM growth either synergistically or in proto-cooperation. This study contributes to the knowledge of phage behavior in cocktails and the formulation of therapeutic phage preparations. The paper also provides a detailed description of the methods of working with phages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Glonti
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
| | - Michael Goossens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
| | - Christel Cochez
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
| | - Sabrina Green
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Sayali Gorivale
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Jeroen Wagemans
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Rob Lavigne
- Laboratory of Gene Technology, Department of Biosystems, KU Leuven, B-3001 Leuven, Belgium; (S.G.); (S.G.); (J.W.); (R.L.)
| | - Jean-Paul Pirnay
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Technology, Queen Astrid Military Hospital, B-1120 Brussels, Belgium; (M.G.); (C.C.); (J.-P.P.)
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17
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Kunz Coyne AJ, Stamper K, Bleick C, Kebriaei R, Lehman SM, Rybak MJ. Synergistic bactericidal effects of phage-enhanced antibiotic therapy against MRSA biofilms. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0321223. [PMID: 38411110 PMCID: PMC10986480 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03212-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) causes biofilm-related medical device infections. Phage-antibiotic combinations offer potential therapy due to proven in vitro antibiofilm efficacy. We evaluated phage-antibiotic synergy against biofilms using modified checkerboard and 24-h time-kill assays. Humanized-simulated daptomycin (DAP) (10, 8, and 6 mg/kg q24h) and ceftaroline (CPT) (600 mg q12h) were combined with Intesti13, Sb-1, and Romulus phages (tMOI 1, q12h). Assays were conducted in 168-h biofilm reactor models against DAP non-susceptible (DNS) vancomycin intermediate S. aureus (VISA) MRSA D712 and DAP-susceptible MRSA 8014. Synergistic activity and bactericidal activity were defined as ≥2log10 CFU/mL reduction from antibiotic-only regimens and ≥3log10 CFU/mL decrease from baseline at 24 h. Differences were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance with Tukey's post hoc test (P ≤ 0.05 is considered significant). Surviving bacteria were examined for antibiotic minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC) changes and phage susceptibility. In 168-h biofilm models, humanized DAP 10 mg/kg + CPT, combined with a 2-phage cocktail (Intesti13 + Sb-1) against D712, and a 3-phage cocktail (Intesti13 + Sb-1 + Romulus) against 8014, demonstrated synergistic bactericidal activity. At 168 h, bacteria were minimally detectable [2log10 CFU/cm2 (-Δ4.23 and -Δ4.42 log10 CFU/cm2; both P < 0.001)]. Antibiotic MBIC remained unchanged compared to baseline across various time points. None of the tested bacteria at 168 h exhibited complete phage resistance. This study reveals bactericidal efficacy of DAP + CPT with 2-phage and 3-phage cocktails against DNS VISA and MRSA isolates (D712 and 8014) in biofilm models, maintaining susceptibility. Further research is needed for diverse strains and durations, aligning with infection care. IMPORTANCE The prevalence of biofilm-associated medical device infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a pressing medical challenge. The latest research demonstrates the potential of phage-antibiotic combinations (PACs) as a promising solution, notably in vitro antibiofilm efficacy. By adopting modified checkerboard and 24-h time-kill assays, the study investigated the synergistic action of phages combined with humanized-simulated doses of daptomycin (DAP) and ceftaroline (CPT). The results were promising: a combination of DAP, CPT, and either a 2-phage or 3-phage cocktail effectively exhibited bactericidal activity against both DAP non-susceptible vancomycin intermediate S. aureus MRSA and DAP-susceptible MRSA strains within 168-h biofilm models. Moreover, post-treatment evaluations revealed no discernible rise in antibiotic resistance or complete phage resistance. This pioneering work suggests the potential of PACs in addressing MRSA biofilm infections, setting the stage for further expansive research tailored to diverse bacterial strains and treatment durations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlan J. Kunz Coyne
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kyle Stamper
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Callan Bleick
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Razieh Kebriaei
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Susan M. Lehman
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael J. Rybak
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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18
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Zamora PF, Reidy TG, Armbruster CR, Sun M, Van Tyne D, Turner PE, Koff JL, Bomberger JM. Lytic bacteriophages induce the secretion of antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines from human respiratory epithelial cells. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002566. [PMID: 38652717 PMCID: PMC11037538 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a therapeutic approach to treat multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections that employs lytic bacteriophages (phages) to eliminate bacteria. Despite the abundant evidence for its success as an antimicrobial in Eastern Europe, there is scarce data regarding its effects on the human host. Here, we aimed to understand how lytic phages interact with cells of the airway epithelium, the tissue site that is colonized by bacterial biofilms in numerous chronic respiratory disorders. Using a panel of Pseudomonas aeruginosa phages and human airway epithelial cells (AECs) derived from a person with cystic fibrosis (CF), we determined that interactions between phages and epithelial cells depend on specific phage properties as well as physiochemical features of the microenvironment. Although poor at internalizing phages, the airway epithelium responds to phage exposure by changing its transcriptional profile and secreting antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines that correlate with specific phage families. Overall, our findings indicate that mammalian responses to phages are heterogenous and could potentially alter the way that respiratory local defenses aid in bacterial clearance during phage therapy. Thus, besides phage receptor specificity in a particular bacterial isolate, the criteria to select lytic phages for therapy should be expanded to include mammalian cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula F. Zamora
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Thomas G. Reidy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Catherine R. Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Biological Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Paul E. Turner
- Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Program in Microbiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Quantitative Biology Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jonathan L. Koff
- Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
| | - Jennifer M. Bomberger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
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19
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Castledine M, Buckling A. Critically evaluating the relative importance of phage in shaping microbial community composition. Trends Microbiol 2024:S0966-842X(24)00057-X. [PMID: 38604881 DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2024.02.014] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
The ubiquity of bacteriophages (phages) and the major evolutionary and ecological impacts they can have on their microbial hosts has resulted in phages often cited as key drivers shaping microbial community composition (the relative abundances of species). However, the evidence for the importance of phages is mixed. Here, we critically review the theory and data exploring the role of phages in communities, identifying the conditions when phages are likely to be important drivers of community composition. At ecological scales, we conclude that phages are often followers rather than drivers of microbial population and community dynamics. While phages can affect strain diversity within species, there is yet to be strong evidence suggesting that fluctuations in species' strains affects community composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meaghan Castledine
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK.
| | - Angus Buckling
- Environment and Sustainability Institute, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9FE, UK
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20
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Gandon S, Guillemet M, Gatchitch F, Nicot A, Renaud AC, Tremblay DM, Moineau S. Building pyramids against the evolutionary emergence of pathogens. Proc Biol Sci 2024; 291:20231529. [PMID: 38471546 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2023.1529] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations allowing pathogens to escape host immunity promote the spread of infectious diseases in heterogeneous host populations and can lead to major epidemics. Understanding the conditions that slow down this evolution is key for the development of durable control strategies against pathogens. Here, we use theory and experiments to compare the efficacy of three strategies for the deployment of resistance: (i) a mixing strategy where the host population contains two single-resistant genotypes, (ii) a pyramiding strategy where the host carries a double-resistant genotype, (iii) a combining strategy where the host population is a mix of a single-resistant genotype and a double-resistant genotype. First, we use evolutionary epidemiology theory to clarify the interplay between demographic stochasticity and evolutionary dynamics to show that the pyramiding strategy always yields lower probability of evolutionary emergence. Second, we test experimentally these predictions with the introduction of bacteriophages into bacterial populations where we manipulated the diversity and the depth of immunity using a Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats-CRISPR associated (CRISPR-Cas) system. These biological assays confirm that pyramiding multiple defences into the same host genotype and avoiding combination with single-defence genotypes is a robust way to reduce pathogen evolutionary emergence. The experimental validation of these theoretical recommendations has practical implications in various areas, including for the optimal deployment of resistance varieties in agriculture and for the design of durable vaccination strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Gandon
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Antoine Nicot
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Ariane C Renaud
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Quebec city, Canada G1V0A6
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Denise M Tremblay
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Quebec city, Canada G1V0A6
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada G1V 0A6
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21
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Mahdizade Ari M, Dadgar L, Elahi Z, Ghanavati R, Taheri B. Genetically Engineered Microorganisms and Their Impact on Human Health. Int J Clin Pract 2024; 2024:6638269. [PMID: 38495751 PMCID: PMC10944348 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6638269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains, the decreased effectiveness of conventional therapies, and the side effects have led researchers to seek a safer, more cost-effective, patient-friendly, and effective method that does not develop antibiotic resistance. With progress in synthetic biology and genetic engineering, genetically engineered microorganisms effective in treatment, prophylaxis, drug delivery, and diagnosis have been developed. The present study reviews the types of genetically engineered bacteria and phages, their impacts on diseases, cancer, and metabolic and inflammatory disorders, the biosynthesis of these modified strains, the route of administration, and their effects on the environment. We conclude that genetically engineered microorganisms can be considered promising candidates for adjunctive treatment of diseases and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzie Mahdizade Ari
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dadgar
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Elahi
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Microbial Biotechnology Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Behrouz Taheri
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapour University of medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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22
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Al-Adham ISI, Jaber N, Ali Agha ASA, Al-Remawi M, Al-Akayleh F, Al-Muhtaseb N, Collier PJ. Sporadic regional re-emergent cholera: a 19th century problem in the 21st century. J Appl Microbiol 2024; 135:lxae055. [PMID: 38449342 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxae055] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae, is a severe diarrheal disease that necessitates prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. This review comprehensively examines various diagnostic methods, from traditional microscopy and culture to advanced nucleic acid testing like polymerase spiral reaction and rapid diagnostic tests, highlighting their advantages and limitations. Additionally, we explore evolving treatment strategies, with a focus on the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance due to the activation of the SOS response pathway in V. cholerae. We discuss promising alternative treatments, including low-pressure plasma sterilization, bacteriophages, and selenium nanoparticles. The paper emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary approaches combining novel diagnostics and treatments in managing and preventing cholera, a persistent global health challenge. The current re-emergent 7th pandemic of cholera commenced in 1961 and shows no signs of abeyance. This is probably due to the changing genetic profile of V. cholerae concerning bacterial pathogenic toxins. Given this factor, we argue that the disease is effectively re-emergent, particularly in Eastern Mediterranean countries such as Lebanon, Syria, etc. This review considers the history of the current pandemic, the genetics of the causal agent, and current treatment regimes. In conclusion, cholera remains a significant global health challenge that requires prompt diagnosis and effective treatment. Understanding the history, genetics, and current treatments is crucial in effectively addressing this persistent and re-emergent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim S I Al-Adham
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 961343, Jordan
| | - Nisrein Jaber
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al Zaytoonah University of Jordan, Amman 11733, Jordan
| | - Ahmed S A Ali Agha
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 961343, Jordan
| | - Mayyas Al-Remawi
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 961343, Jordan
| | - Faisal Al-Akayleh
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 961343, Jordan
| | - Najah Al-Muhtaseb
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 961343, Jordan
| | - Phillip J Collier
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Petra, Amman 961343, Jordan
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23
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Zamora PF, Reidy TG, Armbruster CR, Sun M, Van Tyne D, Turner PE, Koff JL, Bomberger JM. Lytic bacteriophages interact with respiratory epithelial cells and induce the secretion of antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.06.579115. [PMID: 38370761 PMCID: PMC10871231 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.06.579115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Phage therapy is a therapeutic approach to treat multidrug resistant infections that employs lytic bacteriophages (phages) to eliminate bacteria. Despite the abundant evidence for its success as an antimicrobial in Eastern Europe, there is scarce data regarding its effects on the human host. Here, we aimed to understand how lytic phages interact with cells of the airway epithelium, the tissue site that is colonized by bacterial biofilms in numerous chronic respiratory disorders. We determined that interactions between phages and epithelial cells depend on specific phage properties as well as physiochemical features of the microenvironment. Although poor at internalizing phages, the airway epithelium responds to phage exposure by changing its transcriptional profile and secreting antiviral and proinflammatory cytokines that correlate with specific phage families. Overall, our findings indicate that mammalian responses to phages are heterogenous and could potentially alter the way that respiratory local defenses aid in bacterial clearance during phage therapy. Thus, besides phage receptor specificity in a particular bacterial isolate, the criteria to select lytic phages for therapy should be expanded to include mammalian cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula F. Zamora
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
| | - Thomas G. Reidy
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Catherine R. Armbruster
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Biological Imaging, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Paul E. Turner
- Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Jonathan L. Koff
- Center for Phage Biology and Therapy, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Jennifer M. Bomberger
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Hanover, NH
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Fletcher J, Manley R, Fitch C, Bugert C, Moore K, Farbos A, Michelsen M, Alathari S, Senior N, Mills A, Whitehead N, Soothill J, Michell S, Temperton B. The Citizen Phage Library: Rapid Isolation of Phages for the Treatment of Antibiotic Resistant Infections in the UK. Microorganisms 2024; 12:253. [PMID: 38399657 PMCID: PMC10893117 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12020253] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance poses one of the greatest threats to global health and there is an urgent need for new therapeutic options. Phages are viruses that infect and kill bacteria and phage therapy could provide a valuable tool for the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections. In this study, water samples collected by citizen scientists as part of the Citizen Phage Library (CPL) project, and wastewater samples from the Environment Agency yielded phages with activity against clinical strains Klebsiella pneumoniae BPRG1484 and Enterobacter cloacae BPRG1482. A total of 169 and 163 phages were found for K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae, respectively, within four days of receiving the strains. A third strain (Escherichia coli BPRG1486) demonstrated cross-reactivity with 42 E. coli phages already held in the CPL collection. Seed lots were prepared for four K. pneumoniae phages and a cocktail combining these phages was found to reduce melanisation in a Galleria mellonella infection model. The resources and protocols utilised by the Citizen Phage Library enabled the rapid isolation and characterisation of phages targeted against multiple strains. In the future, within a clearly defined regulatory framework, phage therapy could be made available on a named-patient basis within the UK.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Fletcher
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Robyn Manley
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Christian Fitch
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Christina Bugert
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Karen Moore
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Audrey Farbos
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Michelle Michelsen
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Shayma Alathari
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Nicola Senior
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Alice Mills
- Exeter Science Centre, Kaleider Studios, 45 Preston Street, Exeter EX1 1DF, UK
| | - Natalie Whitehead
- Exeter Science Centre, Kaleider Studios, 45 Preston Street, Exeter EX1 1DF, UK
| | - James Soothill
- Microbiology, Virology and Infection Control, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Stephen Michell
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
| | - Ben Temperton
- Biosciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK (B.T.)
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25
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Fikadu A, Amankwah S, Alemu B, Alemu Y, Naga A, Tekle E, Kassa T. Isolation and Phenotypic Characterization of Virulent Bacteriophages Against Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli and Its Phage-Resistant Variant from Sewage Sources. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:293-303. [PMID: 38293311 PMCID: PMC10825468 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s441085] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The use of lytic bacteriophages for the control or elimination of pathogenic multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is the promising alternative. However, the emergence of resistant bacterial variants after phage application may challenge its therapeutic benefit. In this study, we aimed to isolate candidate phages from sewage samples against two MDR Escherichia coli as well as their phage-resistant variant. Methods MDR E. coli isolates (n = 10) obtained from Jimma Medical Center that had been properly identified and stored were used to isolate bacteriophages. Two lytic coliphages were isolated from hospital sewage samples following standard protocols. Upon single phage infection, phage-resistant variant quickly evolved serving as a new host for the isolation of a third lytic phage. This virulent phage's lytic activity against both its host and the wild host was investigated. The host infectivity of the various cocktails was assessed, and each phage's biological properties were studied. Results Out of the first round of phage isolation process, two lytic phages were identified as VBO-E. coli 4307 and VBW-E. coli 4194. When exposed to VBO-E. coli 4307, the wild-type E. coli 4307 developed resistant variants. A third phage (VBA-E. coli 4307R) was isolated specific to this resistant variant (E. coli 4307R) under optimum condition. For VBO-E. coli 4307, VBW-E. coli 4194, and VBA-E. coli 4307R, the plaque assays generated under comparable conditions were 2.13 × 1010 PFU mL-1, 9.17 × 1012 PFU mL-1, and 3.3 × 1010 PFU mL-1, respectively. These phages have nearly identical stability and lytic ability but differ greatly in their host ranges for VBA-E. coli 4307R. Conclusion While the wild-type MDR pathogen could easily evolve resistance when exposed to a single phage infection by VBO-E. coli 4307, it is still possible to isolate a novel bacteriophage from environmental samples that is effective against the phage-resistant variants. This indicates that it is possible to manage the effects of phage resistance pathogens even if they are MDR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashetu Fikadu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Dambi Dollo University, Dambi Dollo, Ethiopia
| | - Stephen Amankwah
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Accra Medical Centre, Accra, Ghana
| | - Bikila Alemu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
- Medical Microbiology Laboratory Unit, Jimma Medical Center, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Yared Alemu
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
| | - Adisu Naga
- Department of Public Health Emergency Management, Kelem Wollega Zone Health Office, Dambi Dollo, Ethiopia
| | - Esayas Tekle
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Wollega University, Nekemte, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfaye Kassa
- School of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Jimma University, Jimma, Ethiopia
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26
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Burke KA, Urick CD, Mzhavia N, Nikolich MP, Filippov AA. Correlation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Phage Resistance with the Numbers and Types of Antiphage Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1424. [PMID: 38338703 PMCID: PMC10855318 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Phage therapeutics offer a potentially powerful approach for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. However, to be effective, phage therapy must overcome existing and developing phage resistance. While phage cocktails can reduce this risk by targeting multiple receptors in a single therapeutic, bacteria have mechanisms of resistance beyond receptor modification. A rapidly growing body of knowledge describes a broad and varied arsenal of antiphage systems encoded by bacteria to counter phage infection. We sought to understand the types and frequencies of antiphage systems present in a highly diverse panel of Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates utilized to characterize novel antibacterials. Using the web-server tool PADLOC (prokaryotic antiviral defense locator), putative antiphage systems were identified in these P. aeruginosa clinical isolates based on sequence homology to a validated and curated catalog of known defense systems. Coupling this host bacterium sequence analysis with host range data for 70 phages, we observed a correlation between existing phage resistance and the presence of higher numbers of antiphage systems in bacterial genomes. We were also able to identify antiphage systems that were more prevalent in highly phage-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, suggesting their importance in conferring resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Andrey A. Filippov
- Wound Infections Department, Bacterial Diseases Branch, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA; (K.A.B.); (C.D.U.); (N.M.); (M.P.N.)
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27
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Gunathilake KMD, Makumi A, Loignon S, Tremblay D, Labrie S, Svitek N, Moineau S. Diversity of Salmonella enterica phages isolated from chicken farms in Kenya. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0272923. [PMID: 38078723 PMCID: PMC10783031 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02729-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica infections are one of the leading causes of diarrhoeal diseases that spread to humans from animal sources such as poultry. Hence, keeping poultry farms free of Salmonella is essential for consumer safety and for a better yield of animal products. However, the emergence of antibiotic resistance due to over usage has sped up the search for alternative biocontrol methods such as the use of bacteriophages. Isolation and characterization of novel bacteriophages are key to adapt phage-based biocontrol applications. Here, we isolated and characterized Salmonella phages from samples collected at chicken farms and slaughterhouses in Kenya. The genomic characterization of these phage isolates revealed that they belong to four ICTV (International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses) phage genera. All these phages are lytic and possibly suitable for biocontrol applications because no lysogenic genes or virulence factors were found in their genomes. Hence, we recommend further studies on these phages for their applications in Salmonella biocontrol.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. M. Damitha Gunathilake
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec city, Quebec, Canada
| | - Angela Makumi
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Stéphanie Loignon
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec city, Quebec, Canada
| | - Denise Tremblay
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec city, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Nicholas Svitek
- International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sylvain Moineau
- Département de biochimie, de microbiologie, et de bio-informatique, Faculté des sciences et de génie, Université Laval, Québec city, Quebec, Canada
- Félix d'Hérelle Reference Center for Bacterial Viruses, Université Laval, Québec city, Quebec, Canada
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28
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Aljabali AAA, Aljbaly MBM, Obeid MA, Shahcheraghi SH, Tambuwala MM. The Next Generation of Drug Delivery: Harnessing the Power of Bacteriophages. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2738:279-315. [PMID: 37966606 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3549-0_18] [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: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
The use of biomaterials, such as bacteriophages, as drug delivery vehicles (DDVs) has gained increasing interest in recent years due to their potential to address the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. Bacteriophages offer several advantages as drug carriers, such as high specificity for targeting bacterial cells, low toxicity, and the ability to be engineered to express specific proteins or peptides for enhanced targeting and drug delivery. In addition, bacteriophages have been shown to reduce the development of antibiotic resistance, which is a major concern in the field of antimicrobial therapy. Many initiatives have been taken to take up various payloads selectively and precisely by surface functionalization of the outside or interior of self-assembling viral protein capsids. Bacteriophages have emerged as a promising platform for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, including drugs, genes, and imaging agents. They possess several properties that make them attractive as drug delivery vehicles, including their ability to specifically target bacterial cells, their structural diversity, their ease of genetic manipulation, and their biocompatibility. Despite the potential advantages of using bacteriophages as drug carriers, several challenges and limitations need to be addressed. One of the main challenges is the limited host range of bacteriophages, which restricts their use to specific bacterial strains. However, this can also be considered as an advantage, as it allows for precise and targeted drug delivery to the desired bacterial cells. The use of biomaterials, including bacteriophages, as drug delivery vehicles has shown promising potential to address the limitations of conventional drug delivery systems. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of these biomaterials and address the challenges and limitations associated with their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
| | | | - Mohammad A Obeid
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Seyed Hossein Shahcheraghi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- Lincoln Medical School, Brayford Pool Campus, University of Lincoln, Lincoln, UK.
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29
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Kulshrestha M, Tiwari M, Tiwari V. Bacteriophage therapy against ESKAPE bacterial pathogens: Current status, strategies, challenges, and future scope. Microb Pathog 2024; 186:106467. [PMID: 38036110 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106467] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The ESKAPE pathogens are the primary threat due to their constant spread of drug resistance worldwide. These pathogens are also regarded as opportunistic pathogens and could potentially cause nosocomial infections. Most of the ESKAPE pathogens have developed resistance to almost all the antibiotics that are used against them. Therefore, to deal with antimicrobial resistance, there is an urgent requirement for alternative non-antibiotic strategies to combat this rising issue of drug-resistant organisms. One of the promising alternatives to this scenario is implementing bacteriophage therapy. This under-explored mode of treatment in modern medicine has posed several concerns, such as preferable phages for the treatment, impact on the microbiome (or gut microflora), dose optimisation, safety, etc. The review will cover a rationale for phage therapy, clinical challenges, and propose phage therapy as an effective therapeutic against bacterial coinfections during pandemics. This review also addresses the expected uncertainties for administering the phage as a treatment against the ESKAPE pathogens and the advantages of using lytic phage over temperate, the immune response to phages, and phages in combinational therapies. The interaction between bacteria and bacteriophages in humans and countless animal models can also be used to design novel and futuristic therapeutics like personalised medicine or bacteriophages as anti-biofilm agents. Hence, this review explores different aspects of phage therapy and its potential to emerge as a frontline therapy against the ESKAPE bacterial pathogen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mukta Kulshrestha
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Monalisa Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India
| | - Vishvanath Tiwari
- Department of Biochemistry, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, 305817, India.
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30
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Moryl M, Różalski A, de Figueiredo JAP, Palatyńska-Ulatowska A. How Do Phages Disrupt the Structure of Enterococcus faecalis Biofilm? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17260. [PMID: 38139094 PMCID: PMC10744153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilms are composed of multicellular communities of microbial cells and their self-secreted extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The viruses named bacteriophages can infect and lyze bacterial cells, leading to efficient biofilm eradication. The aim of this study was to analyze how bacteriophages disrupt the biofilm structure by killing bacterial cells and/or by damaging extracellular polysaccharides, proteins, and DNA. The use of colorimetric and spectrofluorimetric methods and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) enabled a comprehensive assessment of phage activity against E. faecalis biofilms. The impact of the phages vB_Efa29212_2e and vB_Efa29212_3e was investigated. They were applied separately or in combination on 1-day and 7-day-old biofilms. Phages 2e effectively inhibited the growth of planktonic cells with a limited effect on the biofilm. They did not notably affect extracellular polysaccharides and proteins; however, they increased DNA levels. Phages 3e demonstrated a potent and dispersing impact on E. faecalis biofilms, despite being slightly less effective than bacteriophages 2e against planktonic cells. Phages 3e reduced the amount of extracellular polysaccharides and increased eDNA levels in both 1-day-old and 7-day-old biofilm cultures. Phage cocktails had a strong antimicrobial effect on both planktonic and biofilm-associated bacteria. A significant reduction in the levels of polysaccharides, proteins, and eDNA in 1-day-old biofilm samples was noted, which confirms that phages interfere with the structure of E. faecalis biofilm by killing bacterial cells and affecting extracellular polymer levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Moryl
- Department of Biology of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Antoni Różalski
- Department of Biology of Bacteria, Institute of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-237 Lodz, Poland;
| | | | - Aleksandra Palatyńska-Ulatowska
- Department of Endodontics, Chair of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland;
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31
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Aguilera M, Tobar-Calfucoy E, Rojas-Martínez V, Norambuena R, Serrano MJ, Cifuentes O, Zamudio MS, San Martín D, Lara P, Sabag A, Zabner M, Tichy D, Camejo P, León L, Pino M, Ulloa S, Rojas F, Pieringer C, Muster C, Castillo D, Ferreira N, Avendaño C, Canaval M, Pieringer H, Cifuentes P, Cifuentes Muñoz N. Development and characterization of a bacteriophage cocktail with high lytic efficacy against field-isolated Salmonella enterica. Poult Sci 2023; 102:103125. [PMID: 37879168 PMCID: PMC10618821 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2023.103125] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Salmonella spp. is a prevalent pathogen that causes great public health concern worldwide. Bacteriophage-based cocktails have arisen as an alternative to antibiotics to inhibit the growth of Salmonella. However, the bactericidal effect of bacteriophage cocktails in vivo largely differs from their observed effect in vitro. This is partly because in vitro developments of cocktails do not always consider the bacterial diversity nor the environmental conditions where bacteriophages will have to replicate. Here, we isolated and sequenced 47 bacteriophages that showed variable degrees of lytic activity against 258 Salmonella isolates from a commercial broiler company in Brazil. Three of these bacteriophages were characterized and selected to assemble a cocktail. In vitro quantitative assays determined the cocktail to be highly effective against multiple serovars of Salmonella, including Minnesota and Heidelberg. Remarkably, the in vitro lytic activity of the cocktail was retained or improved in conditions that more closely resembled the chicken gut, such as anaerobiosis, 42°C, and Salmonella mono-strain biofilms. Analysis of bacterial cross-resistance between the 3 bacteriophages composing the cocktail revealed limited or no generation of cross-resistance. Our results highlight the relevance of an optimized flux of work to develop bacteriophage cocktails against Salmonella with high lytic efficacy and strong potential to be applied in vivo in commercial broiler farms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Aguilera
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Tobar-Calfucoy
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Victoria Rojas-Martínez
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Norambuena
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Jesús Serrano
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Onix Cifuentes
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Sofía Zamudio
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel San Martín
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pabla Lara
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Sabag
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela Zabner
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Tichy
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Camejo
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis León
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Michael Pino
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Soledad Ulloa
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Rojas
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Christian Pieringer
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cecilia Muster
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Castillo
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Ferreira
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Avendaño
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauro Canaval
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hans Pieringer
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Cifuentes
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Nicolás Cifuentes Muñoz
- PhageLab Chile SpA, Vicuña Mackenna 4860, Centro de Innovación Anacleto Angelini 5th floor, Santiago, Chile..
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Borowicz M, Krzyżanowska DM, Narajczyk M, Sobolewska M, Rajewska M, Czaplewska P, Węgrzyn K, Czajkowski R. Soft rot pathogen Dickeya dadantii 3937 produces tailocins resembling the tails of Peduovirus P2. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1307349. [PMID: 38098664 PMCID: PMC10719855 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1307349] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Tailocins are nanomolecular machines with bactericidal activity. They are produced by bacteria to contribute to fitness in mixed communities, and hence, they play a critical role in their ecology in a variety of habitats. Here, we characterized the new tailocin produced by Dickeya dadantii strain 3937, a well-characterized member of plant pathogenic Soft Rot Pectobacteriaceae (SRP). Tailocins induced in D. dadantii were ca. 166 nm long tubes surrounded by contractive sheaths with baseplates having tail fibers at one end. A 22-kb genomic cluster involved in their synthesis and having high homology to the cluster coding for the tail of the Peduovirus P2 was identified. The D. dadantii tailocins, termed dickeyocins P2D1 (phage P2-like dickeyocin 1), were resistant to inactivation by pH (3.5-12), temperature (4-50°C), and elevated osmolarity (NaCl concentration: 0.01-1 M). P2D1 could kill a variety of different Dickeya spp. but not any strain of Pectobacterium spp. tested and were not toxic to Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Borowicz
- Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of UG and MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Dorota M. Krzyżanowska
- Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of UG and MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Narajczyk
- Bioimaging Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Marta Sobolewska
- Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of UG and MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rajewska
- Laboratory of Plant Microbiology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of UG and MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Paulina Czaplewska
- Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry-Core Facility Laboratories, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of UG and MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of UG and MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Robert Czajkowski
- Laboratory of Biologically Active Compounds, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of UG and MUG, University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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Holger DJ, El Ghali A, Bhutani N, Lev KL, Stamper K, Kebriaei R, Kunz Coyne AJ, Morrisette T, Shah R, Alexander J, Lehman SM, Rojas LJ, Marshall SH, Bonomo RA, Rybak MJ. Phage-antibiotic combinations against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in in vitro static and dynamic biofilm models. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2023; 67:e0057823. [PMID: 37855639 PMCID: PMC10648846 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00578-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Biofilm-producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections pose a severe threat to public health and are responsible for high morbidity and mortality. Phage-antibiotic combinations (PACs) are a promising strategy for combatting multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), and difficult-to-treat P. aeruginosa infections. Ten MDR/XDR P. aeruginosa strains and five P. aeruginosa-specific phages were genetically characterized and evaluated based upon their antibiotic susceptibilities and phage sensitivities. Two selected strains, AR351 (XDR) and I0003-1 (MDR), were treated singly and in combination with either a broad-spectrum or narrow-spectrum phage, phage EM-T3762627-2_AH (EM), or 14207, respectively, and bactericidal antibiotics of five classes in biofilm time-kill analyses. Synergy and/or bactericidal activity was demonstrated with all PACs against one or both drug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains (average reduction: -Δ3.32 log10 CFU/cm2). Slightly improved ciprofloxacin susceptibility was observed in both strains after exposure to phages (EM and 14207) in combination with ciprofloxacin and colistin. Based on phage cocktail optimization with four phages (EM, 14207, E20050-C (EC), and 109), we identified several effective phage-antibiotic cocktails for further analysis in a 4-day pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic in vitro biofilm model. Three-phage cocktail, EM + EC + 109, in combination with ciprofloxacin demonstrated the greatest biofilm reduction against AR351 (-Δ4.70 log10 CFU/cm2 from baseline). Of remarkable interest, the addition of phage 109 prevented phage resistance development to EM and EC in the biofilm model. PACs can demonstrate synergy and offer enhanced eradication of biofilm against drug-resistant P. aeruginosa while preventing the emergence of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana J. Holger
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Amer El Ghali
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Natasha Bhutani
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Katherine L. Lev
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Kyle Stamper
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Razieh Kebriaei
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Ashlan J. Kunz Coyne
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Taylor Morrisette
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Rahi Shah
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose Alexander
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, AdventHealth Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Susan M. Lehman
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura J. Rojas
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Epidemiology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Steven H. Marshall
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert A. Bonomo
- Department of Molecular Biology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Center for Antimicrobial Resistance and Epidemiology, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michael J. Rybak
- Anti-Infective Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Detroit Receiving Hospital, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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34
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Smith NM, Nguyen TD, Chin WH, Sanborn JT, de Souza H, Ho BM, Luong T, Roach DR. A mechanism-based pathway toward administering highly active N-phage cocktails. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1292618. [PMID: 38045026 PMCID: PMC10690594 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1292618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is being explored as a possible response to the antimicrobial resistance public health emergency. Administering a mixture of different phage types as a cocktail is one proposed strategy for therapeutic applications, but the optimal method for formulating phage cocktails remains a major challenge. Each phage strain has complex pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) properties which depend on the nano-scale size, target-mediated, self-dosing nature of each phage strain, and rapid selection of resistant subpopulations. The objective of this study was to explore the pharmacodynamics (PD) of three unique and clinically relevant anti-Pseudomonas phages after simulation of dynamic dosing strategies. The Hollow Fiber Infection Model (HFIM) is an in vitro system that mimics in vivo pharmacokinetics (PK) with high fidelity, providing an opportunity to quantify phage and bacteria concentration profiles over clinical time scales with rich sampling. Exogenous monotherapy-bolus (producing max concentrations of Cmax = 7 log10 PFU/mL) regimens of phages LUZ19, PYO2, and E215 produced Pseudomonas aeruginosa nadirs of 0, 2.14, or 2.99 log10 CFU/mL after 6 h of treatment, respectively. Exogenous combination therapy bolus regimens (LUZ19 + PYO2 or LUZ19 + E215) resulted in bacterial reduction to <2 log10 CFU/mL. In contrast, monotherapy as a continuous infusion (producing a steady-state concentration of Css,avg = 2 log10PFU/mL) was less effective at reducing bacterial densities. Specifically, PYO2 failed to reduce bacterial density. Next, a mechanism-based mathematical model was developed to describe phage pharmacodynamics, phage-phage competition, and phage-dependent adaptive phage resistance. Monte Carlo simulations supported bolus dose regimens, predicting lower bacterial counts with bolus dosing as compared to prolonged phage infusions. Together, in vitro and in silico evaluation of the time course of phage pharmacodynamics will better guide optimal patterns of administration of individual phages as a cocktail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M. Smith
- Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
| | - Thomas D. Nguyen
- Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wai Hoe Chin
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Jacob T. Sanborn
- Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
| | - Harriet de Souza
- Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
| | - Brian M. Ho
- Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York, NY, United States
| | - Tiffany Luong
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dwayne R. Roach
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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Wang M, Ning Y, Jiao X, Liu J, Qiao J. Bacteriophages and their derived enzymes as promising alternatives for the treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Arch Virol 2023; 168:288. [PMID: 37947926 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Nosocomial infections with the opportunistic bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii pose a severe challenge to clinical treatment, which is aggravated by the increasing occurrence of multi-drug resistance, especially resistance to carbapenems. The use of phage therapy as an alternative and supplement to the current antibiotics has become an important research topic in the post-antibiotic era. This review summarizes in vivo and in vitro studies on phage therapy against multi-drug-resistant A. baumannii infection that have used different approaches, including treatment with a single phage, combination with other phages or non-phage agents, and administration of phage-derived enzymes. We also briefly discuss the current challenges of phage-based therapy as well as promising approaches for the treatment of A. baumannii infection in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglu Wang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Ning
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jiao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiayi Liu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Weifang Nursing Vocational College, Weifang, 262500, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinjuan Qiao
- Department of Medical Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
- Institutional Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, 12th 5-Year Project of Shandong Province, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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36
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Wang C, Zhao J, Lin Y, Yuan L, El-Telbany M, Maung AT, Abdelaziz MNS, Masuda Y, Honjoh KI, Miyamoto T. Isolation, characterization of Enterococcus phages and their application in control of E. faecalis in milk. J Appl Microbiol 2023; 134:lxad250. [PMID: 37944001 DOI: 10.1093/jambio/lxad250] [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: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Isolation and characterization of Enterococcus phages and application of phage cocktail to control E. faecalis in milk. METHODS AND RESULTS For phage isolations, double layer agar method was used. Host range of the phages were determined by the spot test. Twelve phages with varying host ranges were isolated. Phages PEF1, PEF7b, and PEF9 with different host ranges and lytic activities were selected for phage cocktails. Compared to two-phages cocktails tested, the cocktail containing all the three phages displayed stronger antibacterial and biofilm removal activities. The cocktail treatment reduced viable E. faecalis in biofilm by 6 log within 6 h at both 30°C and 4°C. In milk, the cocktail gradually reduced the viable count of E. faecalis and the count reached below the lower limit of detection at 48 h at 4°C. CONCLUSION The strong bactericidal and biofilm removal activities of the phage cocktail suggest the potential of this cocktail as a natural biocontrol agent for combating E. faecalis in milk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wang
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Junxin Zhao
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Resources, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330047, China
| | - Yunzhi Lin
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Lu Yuan
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Mohamed El-Telbany
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Aye Thida Maung
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Marwa Nabil Sayed Abdelaziz
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Bioresource and Bioenvironmental Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Yoshimitsu Masuda
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Honjoh
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Takahisa Miyamoto
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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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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38
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Jo SJ, Kwon J, Kim SG, Lee SJ. The Biotechnological Application of Bacteriophages: What to Do and Where to Go in the Middle of the Post-Antibiotic Era. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2311. [PMID: 37764155 PMCID: PMC10534921 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092311] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amid the escalating challenges of antibiotic resistance, bacterial infections have emerged as a global threat. Bacteriophages (phages), viral entities capable of selectively infecting bacteria, are gaining momentum as promising alternatives to traditional antibiotics. Their distinctive attributes, including host specificity, inherent self-amplification, and potential synergy with antibiotics, render them compelling candidates. Phage engineering, a burgeoning discipline, involves the strategic modification of bacteriophages to enhance their therapeutic potential and broaden their applications. The integration of CRISPR-Cas systems facilitates precise genetic modifications, enabling phages to serve as carriers of functional genes/proteins, thereby enhancing diagnostics, drug delivery, and therapy. Phage engineering holds promise in transforming precision medicine, addressing antibiotic resistance, and advancing diverse applications. Emphasizing the profound therapeutic potential of phages, this review underscores their pivotal role in combatting bacterial diseases and highlights their significance in the post-antibiotic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Jin Jo
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Kwon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Public Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Jeonbuk National University, 79 Gobong-ro, Iksan City 54596, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Guen Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kyonggi University, Suwon 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Jun Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Engineering, Seowon University, 377-3 Musimseoro, Seowon-gu, Cheong-ju City 28674, Republic of Korea
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39
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Yadalam PK, Arumuganainar D, Anegundi RV, Shrivastava D, Alftaikhah SAA, Almutairi HA, Alobaida MA, Alkaberi AA, Srivastava KC. CRISPR-Cas-Based Adaptive Immunity Mediates Phage Resistance in Periodontal Red Complex Pathogens. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2060. [PMID: 37630620 PMCID: PMC10459013 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11082060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Periodontal diseases are polymicrobial immune-inflammatory diseases that can severely destroy tooth-supporting structures. The critical bacteria responsible for this destruction include red complex bacteria such as Porphoromonas gingivalis, Tanerella forsythia and Treponema denticola. These organisms have developed adaptive immune mechanisms against bacteriophages/viruses, plasmids and transposons through clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) and their associated proteins (Cas). The CRISPR-Cas system contributes to adaptive immunity, and this acquired genetic immune system of bacteria may contribute to moderating the microbiome of chronic periodontitis. The current research examined the role of the CRISPR-Cas system of red complex bacteria in the dysbiosis of oral bacteriophages in periodontitis. Whole-genome sequences of red complex bacteria were obtained and investigated for CRISPR using the CRISPR identification tool. Repeated spacer sequences were analyzed for homologous sequences in the bacteriophage genome and viromes using BLAST algorithms. The results of the BLAST spacer analysis for T. denticola spacers had a 100% score (e value with a bacillus phage), and the results for T. forsthyia and P. gingivalis had a 56% score with a pectophage and cellulophage (e value: 0.21), respectively. The machine learning model of the identified red complex CRISPR sequences predicts with area an under the curve (AUC) accuracy of 100 percent, indicating phage inhibition. These results infer that red complex bacteria could significantly inhibit viruses and phages with CRISPR immune sequences. Therefore, the role of viruses and bacteriophages in modulating sub-gingival bacterial growth in periodontitis is limited or questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Kumar Yadalam
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Deepavalli Arumuganainar
- Department of Periodontics, Ragas Dental College and Hospital, 2/102, East Coast Road, Uthandi, Chennai 600119, India;
| | - Raghavendra Vamsi Anegundi
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India;
| | - Deepti Shrivastava
- Periodontics Division, Preventive Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka 72345, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Haifa Ali Almutairi
- College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka 72345, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.A.A.); (H.A.A.)
| | - Muhanad Ali Alobaida
- General Dentist, Ministry of Health, Riyadh 12613, Saudi Arabia; (M.A.A.); (A.A.A.)
| | | | - Kumar Chandan Srivastava
- Oral Medicine & Maxillofacial Radiology Division, Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery & Diagnostic Sciences, College of Dentistry, Jouf University, Sakaka 72345, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 602105, India
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40
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Ribeiro JM, Pereira GN, Durli Junior I, Teixeira GM, Bertozzi MM, Verri WA, Kobayashi RKT, Nakazato G. Comparative analysis of effectiveness for phage cocktail development against multiple Salmonella serovars and its biofilm control activity. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13054. [PMID: 37567926 PMCID: PMC10421930 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40228-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Foodborne diseases are a major challenge in the global food industry, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. Bacteria capable of biofilm formation, in addition to MDR strains, reduce the treatment efficacy, posing a significant threat to bacterial control. Bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and kill bacteria, are considered a promising alternative in combating MDR bacteria, both in human medicine and animal production. Phage cocktails, comprising multiple phages, are commonly employed to broaden the host range and prevent or delay the development of phage resistance. There are numerous techniques and protocols available to evaluate the lytic activity of bacteriophages, with the most commonly used methods being Spot Test Assays, Efficiency of Plating (EOP), and infection assays in liquid culture. However, there is currently no standardization for which analyses should be employed and the possible differences among them in order to precisely determine the host range of phages and the composition of a cocktail. A preliminary selection using the Spot Test Assay resulted in four phages for subsequent evaluation against a panel of 36 Salmonella isolates of numerous serovars. Comparing EOP and infection assays in liquid culture revealed that EOP could underestimate the lytic activity of phages, directly influencing phage cocktail development. Moreover, the phage cocktail containing the four selected phages was able to control or remove biofilms formed by 66% (23/35) of the isolates, including those exhibiting low susceptibility to phages, according to EOP. Phages were characterized genomically, revealing the absence of genes associated with antibiotic resistance, virulence factors, or integrases. According to confocal laser scanning microscopy analysis, the biofilm maturation of one Salmonella isolate, which exhibited high susceptibility to phages in liquid culture and 96-well plates biofilm viability assays but had low values for EOP, was found to be inhibited and controlled by the phage cocktail. These observations indicate that phages could control and remove Salmonella biofilms throughout their growth and maturation process, despite their low EOP values. Moreover, using infection assays in liquid culture enables a more precise study of phage interactions for cocktail design timelessly and effortlessly. Hence, integrating strategies and techniques to comprehensively assess the host range and lytic activity of bacteriophages under different conditions can demonstrate more accurately the antibacterial potential of phage cocktails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jhonatan Macedo Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Giovana Nicolete Pereira
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Itamar Durli Junior
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Marques Bertozzi
- Laboratory of Pain, Inflammation, Neuropathy, and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Waldiceu A Verri
- Laboratory of Pain, Inflammation, Neuropathy, and Cancer, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Gerson Nakazato
- Laboratory of Basic and Applied Bacteriology, State University of Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil.
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41
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Peh E, Szott V, Reichelt B, Friese A, Rösler U, Plötz M, Kittler S. Bacteriophage cocktail application for Campylobacter mitigation - from in vitro to in vivo. BMC Microbiol 2023; 23:209. [PMID: 37543585 PMCID: PMC10403930 DOI: 10.1186/s12866-023-02963-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective strategies are urgently needed to control Campylobacteriosis, one of the most important foodborne gastrointestinal diseases worldwide. Administering bacteriophages (phages) is under evaluation as a possible intervention strategy in primary poultry production to reduce the public health risk of human infection. A major challenge is the translation of results from small-scale animal studies to large broiler flocks. In this study, the in vitro lytic activity of 18 Campylobacter-specific group II phages and 19 group III phages were examined singly, and in different combinations from the same group and from both groups using a planktonic killing assay. Based on these results, a combination of phage NCTC 12,673 (group III) and vB_CcM-LmqsCPL1/1 (group II) was selected for in vivo application in a seeder bird model to study its effectiveness under conditions as close as possible to field conditions. One hundred eighty Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into a control and a treatment group. Ten days post hatch, seeder birds were orally inoculated with the C. jejuni target strain. Phages were administered via drinking water at a total concentration of 107 PFU/mL four, three, and two days before necropsy. RESULTS Combining group II and group III phages resulted in significantly higher in vitro growth inhibition against the C. jejuni target strain BfR-CA-14,430 than single application or combinations of phages from the same group. The results of the animal trial showed that the application of the two phages significantly reduced Campylobacter counts in cloacal swabs. At necropsy, Campylobacter counts in colonic content of the treatment group were significantly reduced by 2 log10 units compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that combining phages of groups II and III results in significantly increased lytic activities. The in vitro results were successfully translated into practical application in a study design close to field conditions, providing new data to apply phages in conventional broiler flocks in the future. Phage application reduced the fecal Campylobacter excretion and Campylobacter concentrations in the colon of broilers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Peh
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Szott
- Institute of Food Safety and Food Hygiene, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Reichelt
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Friese
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uwe Rösler
- Institute for Animal Hygiene and Environmental Health, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Madeleine Plötz
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Kittler
- Institute for Food Quality and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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42
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Kok DN, Zhou D, Tsourkas PK, Hendrickson HL. Paenibacillus larvae and their phages; a community science approach to discovery and initial testing of prophylactic phage cocktails against American Foulbrood in New Zealand. MICROBIOME RESEARCH REPORTS 2023; 2:30. [PMID: 38045927 PMCID: PMC10688787 DOI: 10.20517/mrr.2023.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Background: American foulbrood (AFB) is a devastating disease of the European honey bee (Apis mellifera) and is found throughout the world. AFB is caused by the bacterium Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae). Treatment with antibiotics is strictly forbidden in many regions, including New Zealand. Safe and natural prophylactic solutions to protect honey bees from AFB are needed. Bacteriophages are a well-studied alternative to antibiotics and have been shown to be effective against P. larvae in other countries. Methods: We employed a community science approach to obtaining samples from around New Zealand to discover novel bacteriophages. Standard isolation approaches were employed for both bacteria and bacteriophages. Host range testing was performed by agar overlay spot tests, and cocktail formulation and in vitro testing were performed in 96-well plate assays, followed by sub-sampling and CFU visualization on agar plates. Results: Herein, we describe the discovery and isolation of eight P. larvae bacterial isolates and 26 P. larvae bacteriophages that are novel and native to New Zealand. The phage genomes were sequenced and annotated, and their genomes were compared to extant sequenced P. larvae phage genomes. We test the host ranges of the bacteriophages and formulate cocktails to undertake in vitro testing on a set of representative bacterial strains. These results form the basis of a promising solution for protecting honey bees in New Zealand from AFB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle N. Kok
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Diana Zhou
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Philippos K. Tsourkas
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Heather L. Hendrickson
- School of Natural Sciences, Massey University, Auckland 0632, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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Du J, Meile S, Baggenstos J, Jäggi T, Piffaretti P, Hunold L, Matter CI, Leitner L, Kessler TM, Loessner MJ, Kilcher S, Dunne M. Enhancing bacteriophage therapeutics through in situ production and release of heterologous antimicrobial effectors. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4337. [PMID: 37474516 PMCID: PMC10359290 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39612-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacteriophages operate via pathogen-specific mechanisms of action distinct from conventional, broad-spectrum antibiotics and are emerging as promising alternative antimicrobials. However, phage-mediated killing is often limited by bacterial resistance development. Here, we engineer phages for target-specific effector gene delivery and host-dependent production of colicin-like bacteriocins and cell wall hydrolases. Using urinary tract infection (UTI) as a model, we show how heterologous effector phage therapeutics (HEPTs) suppress resistance and improve uropathogen killing by dual phage- and effector-mediated targeting. Moreover, we designed HEPTs to control polymicrobial uropathogen communities through production of effectors with cross-genus activity. Using phage-based companion diagnostics, we identified potential HEPT responder patients and treated their urine ex vivo. Compared to wildtype phage, a colicin E7-producing HEPT demonstrated superior control of patient E. coli bacteriuria. Arming phages with heterologous effectors paves the way for successful UTI treatment and represents a versatile tool to enhance and adapt phage-based precision antimicrobials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiemin Du
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Meile
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jasmin Baggenstos
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Jäggi
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Piffaretti
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Hunold
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Lorenz Leitner
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas M Kessler
- Department of Neuro-Urology, Balgrist University Hospital, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Loessner
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Kilcher
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Matthew Dunne
- Institute of Food Nutrition and Health, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Lazar V, Oprea E, Ditu LM. Resistance, Tolerance, Virulence and Bacterial Pathogen Fitness-Current State and Envisioned Solutions for the Near Future. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12050746. [PMID: 37242416 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12050746] [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: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The current antibiotic crisis and the global phenomena of bacterial resistance, inherited and non-inherited, and tolerance-associated with biofilm formation-are prompting dire predictions of a post-antibiotic era in the near future. These predictions refer to increases in morbidity and mortality rates as a consequence of infections with multidrug-resistant or pandrug-resistant microbial strains. In this context, we aimed to highlight the current status of the antibiotic resistance phenomenon and the significance of bacterial virulence properties/fitness for human health and to review the main strategies alternative or complementary to antibiotic therapy, some of them being already clinically applied or in clinical trials, others only foreseen and in the research phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Lazar
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Street, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Eliza Oprea
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Street, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Lia-Mara Ditu
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 1-3 Portocalelor Street, 060101 Bucharest, Romania
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45
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Raeisi H, Noori M, Azimirad M, Mohebbi SR, Asadzadeh Aghdaei H, Yadegar A, Zali MR. Emerging applications of phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation for treatment of Clostridioides difficile infection: challenges and perspectives. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:21. [PMID: 37161478 PMCID: PMC10169144 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00550-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile, which causes life-threatening diarrheal disease, is considered an urgent threat to healthcare setting worldwide. The current standards of care solely rely on conventional antibiotic treatment, however, there is a risk of promoting recurrent C. difficile infection (rCDI) because of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains. Globally, the alarming spread of antibiotic-resistant strains of C. difficile has resulted in a quest for alternative therapeutics. The use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), which involves direct infusion of fecal suspension from a healthy donor into a diseased recipient, has been approved as a highly efficient therapeutic option for patients with rCDI. Bacteriophages or phages are a group of viruses that can infect and destroy bacterial hosts, and are recognized as the dominant viral component of the human gut microbiome. Accumulating data has demonstrated that phages play a vital role in microbial balance of the human gut microbiome. Recently, phage therapy and fecal virome transplantation (FVT) have been introduced as promising alternatives for the treatment of C. difficile -related infections, in particular drug-resistant CDI. Herein, we review the latest updates on C. difficile- specific phages, and phage-mediated treatments, and highlight the current and future prospects of phage therapy in the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamideh Raeisi
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Noori
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimirad
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Mohebbi
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Yadegar
- Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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46
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Mani I. Phage and phage cocktails formulations. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 200:159-169. [PMID: 37739554 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic-resistant bacterial infection is a major global problem and can be life-threatening. Bacteriophages or phages can be substituted choice over traditional antibiotics treatments. Phages are natural obligate parasites viruses of bacteria, and they can infect and kill antibiotic-sensitive and -resistant bacteria. Further, phages can be utilised as antibacterial agents against various kinds of bacterial infectious diseases. As compared to antibiotics, phages can show a more variety of modes of action and can also be safe in several cases. Phages as a mixture (cocktail) of viral strains are usually used in clinical practices. Generally, to propagate phage cocktails, the individual phage is grown and then mixed to prepare phage cocktails. Antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation can be controlled through formulating phage cocktails that comprise phages infecting single species or by combining phages with non-phages (antibiotics), which may result in a broad spectrum of activity. This chapter briefly highlights the formulations and application of phage cocktails, which are being used to treat various bacterial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra Mani
- Department of Microbiology, Gargi College, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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47
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Samir S. Phages for treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infection. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 200:275-302. [PMID: 37739558 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Combating multi-drug resistant bacterial infections should be a universal urgency. The gram- positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria are generally harmless; healthy people frequently have them on their skin and nose. These bacteria, for the most part, produce no difficulties or only minor skin diseases. Antibiotics and cleansing of the affected region are usually the treatments of choice. S. aureus can become virulent causing serious infections that may lead to pustules to sepsis or death. Normally, it is thought that antibiotics may solve problems concerning bacterial infection; but unfortunately, Staphylococci have evolved mechanisms to resist drugs. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); both in hospitals and in the community, infections are evolving into dangerous pathogens. Health care practitioners may need to use antibiotics with more adverse effects to treat antibiotic-resistant S. aureus infections. Amid existing efforts to resolve this problem, phage therapy proposes a hopeful alternate to face Staphylococcal infections. When the majority of antibiotics have failed to treat infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as methicillin- and vancomycin-resistant S. aureus, phage therapy may be an option. Here, we appraise the potential efficacy, current knowledge on bacteriophages for S. aureus, experimental research and information on their clinical application, and limitations of phage therapy for S. aureus infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safia Samir
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
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48
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Chen X, Mendes BG, Alves BS, Duan Y. Phage therapy in gut microbiome. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 201:93-118. [PMID: 37770177 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Phage therapy, the use of bacteriophage viruses for bacterial infection treatment, has been around for almost a century, but with the increase in antibiotic use, its importance has declined rapidly. There has been renewed interest in revisiting this practice due to the general decline in the effectiveness of antibiotics, combined with improved understanding of human microbiota and advances in sequencing technologies. Phage therapy has been proposed as a clinical alternative to restore the gut microbiota in the absence of an effective treatment. That is due to its immunomodulatory and bactericidal effects against its target bacteria. In the gastrointestinal diseases field, phage therapy has been studied mainly as a promising tool in infectious diseases treatment, such as cholera and diarrhea. However, many studies have been conducted in non-communicable diseases, such as the targeting of adherent invasive Escherichia coli in Crohn's disease, the treatment of Clostridioides difficile in ulcerative colitis, the eradication of Fusobacterium nucleatum in colorectal cancer, the targeting of alcohol-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or Enterococcus faecalis in alcohol-associated hepatitis. This review will summarize the changes in the gut microbiota and the phageome in association with some gastrointestinal and liver diseases and highlight the recent scientific advances in phage therapy as a therapeutic tool for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyao Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Beatriz G Mendes
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Bruno Secchi Alves
- Department of Clinical Analysis, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Yi Duan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Petrovic Fabijan A, Iredell J, Danis-Wlodarczyk K, Kebriaei R, Abedon ST. Translating phage therapy into the clinic: Recent accomplishments but continuing challenges. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3002119. [PMID: 37220114 PMCID: PMC10204993 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Phage therapy is a medical form of biological control of bacterial infections, one that uses naturally occurring viruses, called bacteriophages or phages, as antibacterial agents. Pioneered over 100 years ago, phage therapy nonetheless is currently experiencing a resurgence in interest, with growing numbers of clinical case studies being published. This renewed enthusiasm is due in large part to phage therapy holding promise for providing safe and effective cures for bacterial infections that traditional antibiotics acting alone have been unable to clear. This Essay introduces basic phage biology, provides an outline of the long history of phage therapy, highlights some advantages of using phages as antibacterial agents, and provides an overview of recent phage therapy clinical successes. Although phage therapy has clear clinical potential, it faces biological, regulatory, and economic challenges to its further implementation and more mainstream acceptance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Petrovic Fabijan
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jonathan Iredell
- Centre for Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Westmead Hospital, Western Sydney Local Health District, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katarzyna Danis-Wlodarczyk
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Razieh Kebriaei
- P3 Research Laboratory, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Stephen T. Abedon
- Department of Microbiology, The Ohio State University, Mansfield, Ohio, United States of America
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50
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Maas E, Penders J, Venema K. Investigating the survival and activity of a bacteriophage in the complex colon environment with the use of a dynamic model of the colon (TIM-2). Microb Pathog 2023; 178:106061. [PMID: 36906154 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106061] [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: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
The rise of antibiotic resistance poses a global problem. To avoid this, alternative therapeutic options should be explored, e.g. lytic bacteriophage therapy. Well-designed and described research on effectivity of oral bacteriophage therapy is lacking, therefore the aim of this study was to determine whether the in vitro model of the colon (TIM-2) could be used to investigate the survival and efficacy of therapeutic bacteriophages. For this, an antibiotic-resistant (CmR) E. coli DH5α(pGK11) was used in combination with a corresponding bacteriophage. For the survival study, the TIM-2 model was inoculated with the microbiota of healthy individuals and a standard feeding (SIEM) was fed over the course of the 72 h experiment. To test the bacteriophage, different interventions were carried out. Survival of bacteriophages and bacteria was followed by plating of the lumen samples at different time points 0, 2, 4, 8, 24, 48, and 72 h. In addition, the stability of the bacterial community was determined with the use of 16S rRNA sequencing. Results showed that the phage titers could be decreased by activity from the commensal microbiota. Levels of the phage host (here E.coli) were decreased in the interventions with the phage shot. Multiple shots did not seem to be more effective than a single shot. At the same time, the bacterial community was not disturbed and remained stable throughout the experiment, which is in stark contrast to treatment with antibiotics. Mechanistic studies such as this one are required to optimize efficacy of phage therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evy Maas
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation, Maastricht University - Campus Venlo, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ, Venlo, the Netherlands; Euregional Microbiome Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - John Penders
- Euregional Microbiome Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) and Care and Public Health Research Institute (Caphri), Maastricht University, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Koen Venema
- Centre for Healthy Eating & Food Innovation, Maastricht University - Campus Venlo, Villafloraweg 1, 5928 SZ, Venlo, the Netherlands; Euregional Microbiome Center, P. Debyelaan 25, 6229 HX, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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