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Characterization of vB_SauM-fRuSau02, a Twort-Like Bacteriophage Isolated from a Therapeutic Phage Cocktail

Katarzyna Leskinen1, Henni Tuomala2,3, Anu Wicklund4,5

  • 1Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Medicum, Research Programs Unit, Immunobiology Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki 00290, Finland. katarzyna.leskinen@helsinki.fi.

Viruses
|September 15, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophage fRuSau02 shows promise as a phage therapy agent against Staphylococcus aureus infections. This research characterizes its genome and demonstrates its effectiveness against clinical S. aureus strains, offering an alternative to antibiotics.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Staphylococcus aureus is a significant cause of human and animal infections, including hospital-acquired infections.
  • Increasing antibiotic resistance necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies.
  • Bacteriophages, particularly polyvalent myoviruses, are promising candidates for phage therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the bacteriophage vB_SauM-fRuSau02 (fRuSau02) isolated from a commercial phage cocktail.
  • To evaluate the host range and potential of fRuSau02 as a therapeutic agent against Staphylococcus aureus.

Main Methods:

  • Genomic analysis of bacteriophage fRuSau02.
  • Identification of structural and virion-associated proteins using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).
  • Host range testing against various Staphylococcus strains, including clinical isolates from humans and pigs.

Main Results:

  • fRuSau02 possesses a large genome (148,464 bp) and belongs to the Twortlikevirus genus.
  • 78 structural and virion-associated proteins were identified.
  • The phage demonstrated sensitivity against clinical Staphylococcus aureus strains and some coagulase-negative staphylococci, with varying efficacy against pig strains.

Conclusions:

  • fRuSau02 is a well-characterized bacteriophage with potential as a phage therapy agent.
  • It offers a viable alternative to antibiotic treatment for Staphylococcus aureus infections.
  • Further research into its application as a therapeutic agent is warranted.
Keywords:
Staphylococcus aureusTwortlikevirusbacteriophagephage therapyvB_SauM-fRuSau02

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