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Elimination of multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis biofilms using bacteriophages

Salwa Gomaa1, Fathy Serry2, Hemmat Abdellatif2

  • 1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt. salwaesmat@zu.edu.eg.

Archives of Virology
|June 15, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophages effectively controlled multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis biofilms, reducing viable cells by up to 99.9%. This offers a promising new strategy against challenging bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis causes diverse infections and exhibits high antimicrobial resistance.
  • Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Proteus mirabilis poses a significant therapeutic challenge, particularly in biofilm-based infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of bacteriophages in controlling biofilms formed by MDR Proteus mirabilis.

Main Methods:

  • Proteus mirabilis isolates were identified and their antimicrobial resistance and biofilm-forming capacity were assessed.
  • Bacteriophages targeting Proteus mirabilis were isolated from sewage.
  • The impact of bacteriophages on pre-formed biofilms was evaluated using the viable count method.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance (87.2%) was observed in Proteus mirabilis isolates.
  • The majority of isolates (80.5%) demonstrated strong biofilm formation.
  • Five isolated bacteriophages significantly disrupted pre-formed biofilms, reducing viable cells by up to 99.9%.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophages demonstrate significant potential as a therapeutic strategy against MDR Proteus mirabilis biofilm infections.
  • Phage therapy offers a promising alternative for combating challenging bacterial infections where conventional antibiotics are ineffective.

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