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Novel lytic bacteriophage vB_GEC_EfS_9 against Enterococcus faecium

S Rigvava1, I Kusradze2, I Tchgkonia3

  • 1G Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi, Georgia; Caucasus International University, Tbilisi, Georgia.

Virus Research
|October 14, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Researchers discovered a virulent bacteriophage, vB_GEC_EfS_9, effective against antibiotic-resistant Enterococcus faecium strains. This phage shows significant potential for phage therapy, offering a specific and novel treatment approach for challenging infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriophage Therapy

Background:

  • Enterococcus faecium causes opportunistic infections, with treatment complicated by rising antibiotic resistance.
  • The emergence of multi-drug resistant bacteria necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies.
  • Phage therapy offers a promising alternative due to its specificity and lower resistance development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a virulent bacteriophage active against clinical strains of Enterococcus faecium.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the isolated phage against antibiotic-resistant E. faecium.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of a virulent bacteriophage, vB_GEC_EfS_9.
  • Analysis of phage growth pattern, adsorption rate, and host range.
  • Whole genome sequencing and analysis of the bacteriophage.

Main Results:

  • Phage vB_GEC_EfS_9 was isolated and confirmed as virulent against Enterococcus faecium.
  • Characterization revealed specific properties suitable for therapeutic application.
  • Genome sequencing provided insights into the phage's genetic makeup.

Conclusions:

  • Phage vB_GEC_EfS_9 demonstrates significant potential for therapeutic use against Enterococcus faecium infections.
  • This bacteriophage represents a viable candidate for developing novel treatments for antibiotic-resistant E. faecium.
  • Phage therapy offers a targeted approach to combatting resistant bacterial infections.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistanceBacteriophagesEnterococcus faeciumPhage therapyVancomycin resistant enterococci

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