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Characterization of Enterococcus faecalis phage IME-EF1 and its endolysin
Wenhui Zhang1, Zhiqiang Mi, Xiuyun Yin
1State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China.
Plos One
|November 16, 2013
Summary
A novel bacteriophage, IME-EF1, effectively combats drug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis infections. This phage and its endolysin demonstrated significant therapeutic potential in mice, offering a promising alternative for treating resistant bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a growing cause of nosocomial infections, often exhibiting resistance to antibiotics.
- Drug-resistant E. faecalis poses significant clinical challenges, necessitating alternative treatment strategies.
- Bacteriophage therapy is re-emerging as a viable option against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage targeting Enterococcus faecalis.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the bacteriophage and its endolysin against E. faecalis infection in a murine model.
- To assess the potential of bacteriophage IME-EF1 as a future therapeutic agent.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteriophage IME-EF1 from hospital sewage.
- Whole-genome sequencing and morphological analysis of IME-EF1.
- In vitro characterization of adsorption rate and latent period.
- In vivo efficacy study in a mouse model challenged with E. faecalis.
Main Results:
- IME-EF1, a Siphoviridae bacteriophage, possesses a linear dsDNA genome and tadpole-like morphology.
- The phage exhibits rapid adsorption (>99% in 9 min) and a 25 min latent period.
- IME-EF1 and its endolysin significantly reduced E. faecalis bacterial load and improved survival rates in mice (60-80% survival).
- The endolysin showed a broader bactericidal spectrum, including vancomycin-resistant strains.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage IME-EF1 and its endolysin are effective in controlling E. faecalis infection in vivo.
- IME-EF1 represents a valuable addition to the arsenal of lytic bacteriophages for treating E. faecalis infections.
- Phage therapy holds significant promise as an alternative treatment for drug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
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