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Updated: Dec 26, 2025
Biosensor for Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Staphylococcus Bacteria
Published on: May 8, 2013
Antimicrobial Activity of a Phage Mixture and a Lactic Acid Bacterium against Staphylococcus aureus from Bovine
Isabel Titze1, Volker Krömker1,2
1Department of Bioprocess Engineering and Microbiology, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts, D-30453 Hannover, Germany.
Abstract:
The antimicrobial activity of a phage mixture and a lactic acid bacterium against Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bovine origin was investigated in vitro with regard to possible applications in the therapy of udder inflammation (mastitis) caused by bacterial infections. The S. aureus isolates used for inoculation derived from quarter foremilk samples of mastitis cases. For the examination of the antimicrobial activity, the reduction of the S. aureus germ density was determined [log10 cfu/mL]. The phage mixture consisted of the three obligatory lytic and S. aureus-specific phages STA1.ST29, EB1.ST11 and EB1.ST27 (1:1:1). The selected Lactobacillus plantarum strain with proven antimicrobial properties and the phage mixture were tested against S. aureus in milk, both alone and in combination. The application of the lactic acid bacterium showed only a low reduction ability for a 24 h incubation period. The bacteriophage mixture as well as its combination with the lactic acid bacterium showed high antimicrobial activity against S. aureus for a 24 h incubation period at 37 °C, with only the phage mixture showing significance.
Insights
A bacteriophage mixture effectively reduced Staphylococcus aureus, a cause of bovine mastitis. This phage therapy, combined with lactic acid bacteria, shows promise for treating udder infections.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriophage Therapy
- Animal Health
Background:
- Bovine mastitis is a significant economic and animal welfare issue.
- Staphylococcus aureus is a primary causative agent of bovine mastitis.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity of a phage mixture and Lactobacillus plantarum against Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis cases.
- To assess the potential of these agents, alone and in combination, for mastitis therapy.
Main Methods:
- Investigated antimicrobial activity by measuring the reduction in Staphylococcus aureus germ density (log10 cfu/mL).
- Utilized a mixture of three S. aureus-specific lytic phages (STA1.ST29, EB1.ST11, EB1.ST27) and a selected Lactobacillus plantarum strain.
- Tested agents against S. aureus in milk over a 24-hour incubation period at 37 °C.
Main Results:
- Lactobacillus plantarum showed limited reduction of S. aureus.
- The bacteriophage mixture demonstrated significant high antimicrobial activity against S. aureus.
- The combination of phage mixture and lactic acid bacterium also showed high activity, with the phage mixture being the significant factor.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage therapy holds significant potential for controlling Staphylococcus aureus in bovine mastitis.
- The tested phage mixture is a promising candidate for developing novel treatments for bovine mastitis.
- Further research may explore synergistic effects and in vivo efficacy.
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