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Updated: Nov 10, 2025
Author Spotlight: Efficiently Eliminating Bacteriophages from Infected Salmonella Cultures Using Lipopolysaccharides
Published on: June 28, 2024
Isolation and Characterisation of Bacteriophages with Activity against Invasive Non-Typhoidal Salmonella Causing
Ella V Rodwell1, Nicolas Wenner1, Caisey V Pulford1
1Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK.
Abstract:
In recent years, novel lineages of invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis have been identified in patients with bloodstream infection in Sub-Saharan Africa. Here, we isolated and characterised 32 phages capable of infecting S. Typhimurium and S. Enteritidis, from water sources in Malawi and the UK. The phages were classified in three major phylogenetic clusters that were geographically distributed. In terms of host range, Cluster 1 phages were able to infect all bacterial hosts tested, whereas Clusters 2 and 3 had a more restricted profile. Cluster 3 contained two sub-clusters, and 3.b contained the most novel isolates. This study represents the first exploration of the potential for phages to target the lineages of Salmonella that are responsible for bloodstream infections in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Insights
Researchers identified 32 novel phages targeting invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) serovars. These phages, isolated from water sources, show potential for combating bloodstream infections caused by these dangerous bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Invasive non-typhoidal Salmonella (iNTS) serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis are increasingly causing bloodstream infections in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Novel lineages of these bacteria pose a significant public health challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize bacteriophages (phages) capable of infecting iNTS serovars Typhimurium and Enteritidis.
- To explore the potential of these phages as a therapeutic strategy against iNTS infections.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of 32 phages from water sources in Malawi and the UK.
- Phylogenetic classification of isolated phages into three major clusters.
- Determination of phage host range against various bacterial isolates.
Main Results:
- Phages were classified into three geographically distributed phylogenetic clusters.
- Cluster 1 phages exhibited a broad host range, infecting all tested bacterial hosts.
- Clusters 2 and 3 displayed more restricted host profiles, with sub-cluster 3.b containing the most novel isolates.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to explore the potential of phages to target iNTS lineages responsible for bloodstream infections in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The identified phages represent a promising avenue for developing novel phage therapy strategies against invasive Salmonella infections.
