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Characterization of a Novel Phage ΦAb1656-2 and Its Endolysin with Higher Antimicrobial Activity against

Kyeongmin Kim1, Md Maidul Islam1, Dooyoung Kim1

  • 1Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, 680 Gukchaebosang-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu 41944, Korea.

Viruses
|September 28, 2021
PubMed

Insights

A novel bacteriophage, ΦAb1656-2, was isolated from multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Its endolysin, AbEndolysin, demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against resistant strains, offering a potential new therapeutic agent.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii is a global nosocomial pathogen.
  • Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDRAB) poses a significant treatment challenge.
  • Bacteriophage-derived endolysins are promising alternatives to antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage from MDRAB.
  • To identify, express, and purify a novel endolysin from the isolated bacteriophage.
  • To evaluate the antibacterial activity of the novel endolysin against MDRAB.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of bacteriophage ΦAb1656-2 from clinical MDRAB using mitomycin C-induced prophage.
  • Morphological identification of ΦAb1656-2 as a Siphoviridae family member.
  • Whole genome sequencing of ΦAb1656-2.
  • Identification, expression, and purification of the novel endolysin AbEndolysin.
  • Assessment of AbEndolysin's antibacterial activity against MDRAB clinical strains.

Main Results:

  • A novel Siphoviridae bacteriophage, ΦAb1656-2, was successfully isolated.
  • The whole genome of ΦAb1656-2 was sequenced (50.9 kb, 68 ORFs).
  • A novel endolysin, AbEndolysin, with an N-acetylmuramidase catalytic domain was identified and purified.
  • Recombinant AbEndolysin exhibited potent antibacterial activity against MDRAB clinical isolates without requiring outer membrane permeabilizers.

Conclusions:

  • AbEndolysin is a potent antimicrobial agent effective against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • This novel endolysin shows potential as a therapeutic agent for treating MDRAB infections.
  • Phage-derived endolysins represent a viable strategy to combat antibiotic resistance.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumanniiantimicrobial activitybacteriophageendolysingenome sequencing

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