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Published on: December 11, 2012
Genomic and Functional Characterization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci-Specific Bacteriophages in the Galleria
Lynn El Haddad1, Georgios Angelidakis2, Justin R Clark3
1Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Abstract:
Phages are naturally occurring viruses that selectively kill bacterial species without disturbing the individual's normal flora, averting the collateral damage of antimicrobial usage. The safety and the effectiveness of phages have been mainly confirmed in the food industry as well as in animal models. In this study, we report on the successful isolation of phages specific to Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, including Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) and Enterococcus faecalis from sewage samples, and demonstrate their efficacy and safety for VREfm infection in the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella model. No virulence-associated genes, antibiotic resistance genes or integrases were detected in the phages' genomes, rendering them safe to be used in an in vivo model. Phages may be considered as potential agents for therapy for bacterial infections secondary to multidrug-resistant organisms such as VREfm.
Insights
Bacteriophages were isolated from sewage and proven effective against Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) in a Galleria mellonella model. These phages show promise as a safe therapeutic alternative for multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are natural viruses that target specific bacteria, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
- Phage therapy has demonstrated safety and efficacy in food safety and animal models.
- Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) pose a significant threat due to multidrug resistance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize phages effective against Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), specifically VRE fm and VRE faecalis.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of these isolated phages in a Galleria mellonella infection model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of phages targeting VRE fm and VRE faecalis from sewage samples.
- Genomic analysis of isolated phages to detect virulence factors, antibiotic resistance genes, and integrases.
- In vivo efficacy and safety testing using the Galleria mellonella model for VRE fm infection.
Main Results:
- Phages specific to VRE fm and VRE faecalis were successfully isolated from sewage.
- Genomic analysis confirmed the absence of virulence-associated genes, antibiotic resistance genes, and integrases in the isolated phages.
- The phages demonstrated efficacy and safety in treating VRE fm infections in the Galleria mellonella model.
Conclusions:
- Isolated phages are effective and safe against VRE fm infections in vivo.
- Phage therapy presents a viable therapeutic strategy for infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms like VRE fm.
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