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Isolation and Characterization of a Phapecoctavirus Infecting Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in A549
Phitchayapak Wintachai1,2, Komwit Surachat3,4, Ganyalak Chaimaha1
1School of Science, Walailak University, Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat 80161, Thailand.
Abstract:
Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR A. baumannii) is an emerging pathogen in the ESKAPE group. The global burden of antimicrobial resistance has led to renewed interest in alternative antimicrobial treatment strategies, including phage therapy. This study isolated and characterized a phage vB_AbaM_ ABPW7 (vABPW7) specific to MDR A. baumannii. Morphological analysis showed that phage vABPW7 belongs to the Myoviridae family. Genome analysis showed that the phage DNA genome consists of 148,647 bp and that the phage is a member of the Phapecoctavirus genus of the order Caudovirales. A short latent period and a large burst size indicated that phage vABPW7 was a lytic phage that could potentially be used in phage therapy. Phage vABPW7 is a high-stability phage that has high lytic activity. Phage vABPW7 could effectively reduce biofilm formation and remove preformed biofilm. The utility of phage vABPW7 was investigated in a human A549 alveolar epithelial cell culture model. Phage vABPW7 was not cytotoxic to A549 cells, and the phage could significantly reduce planktonic MDR A. baumannii and MDR A. baumannii adhesion on A549 cells without cytotoxicity. This study suggests that phage vABPW7 has the potential to be developed further as a new antimicrobial agent against MDR A. baumannii.
Insights
A novel lytic bacteriophage, vB_AbaM_ABPW7, effectively targets multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. This phage shows potential as a safe and effective antimicrobial agent against resistant bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriophage Therapy
- Antimicrobial Resistance
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR A. baumannii) is a significant global health threat within the ESKAPE pathogen group.
- The escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance necessitates exploration of alternative treatments, such as bacteriophage therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a bacteriophage with specific activity against MDR A. baumannii.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the isolated phage, vB_AbaM_ABPW7 (vABPW7), including its lytic activity, stability, anti-biofilm properties, and safety in a cellular model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage vABPW7 targeting MDR A. baumannii.
- Morphological and genomic analyses to determine phage classification (Myoviridae family, Caudovirales order, Phapecoctavirus genus).
- Assessment of lytic activity, stability, biofilm inhibition, and cytotoxicity in A549 alveolar epithelial cells.
Main Results:
- Phage vABPW7, a lytic bacteriophage from the Myoviridae family, exhibits a short latent period and large burst size.
- vABPW7 demonstrates high stability and potent lytic activity against MDR A. baumannii, effectively reducing and removing biofilms.
- In vitro studies showed vABPW7 significantly reduced planktonic MDR A. baumannii and bacterial adhesion to A549 cells without inducing cytotoxicity.
Conclusions:
- Phage vABPW7 is a promising candidate for further development as a novel antimicrobial agent against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
- The phage's non-cytotoxic nature and efficacy against biofilms and planktonic bacteria highlight its potential in phage therapy applications.
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