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Bacteriophages as potential new mammalian pathogens

George V Tetz1, Kelly V Ruggles2,3, Hua Zhou3

  • 1Human Microbiology Institute, New York, NY, 10027, USA. georgetets@gmail.com.

Scientific Reports
|August 3, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophage exposure in rats increased gut permeability and altered gut bacteria, suggesting phages may contribute to inflammatory diseases. This study highlights potential pathogenic roles of bacteriophages in mammals.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Immunology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Increased intestinal permeability and gut bacteria translocation are linked to chronic inflammation and complex diseases.
  • Microbiota composition and gut barrier function are crucial in these pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of a bacteriophage cocktail on intestinal permeability and gut bacterial community in a rat model.
  • To explore the potential pathogenic role of bacteriophages in mammalian health.

Main Methods:

  • Rats were exposed to a bacteriophage cocktail.
  • Intestinal permeability was assessed using the lactulose/mannitol ratio, plasma endotoxin, and serum cytokines.
  • Gut bacterial community composition and diversity were analyzed from fecal samples.

Main Results:

  • Bacteriophage challenge increased markers of gut permeability (lactulose/mannitol ratio, endotoxins, cytokines).
  • Fecal bacterial richness and diversity (alpha diversity) increased post-challenge.
  • Specific bacterial taxa abundances shifted, with decreases in Blautia, Catenibacterium, Lactobacillus, and Faecalibacterium, and increases in Butyrivibrio, Oscillospira, and Ruminococcus.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage administration can impair gut barrier function and alter gut microbiota composition in mammals.
  • These findings suggest bacteriophages may act as pathogens, potentially contributing to diseases associated with increased intestinal permeability.

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