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Published on: July 4, 2018
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Impact Assessment of vB_KpnP_K1-ULIP33 Bacteriophage on the Human Gut Microbiota Using a Dynamic In Vitro Model
Fanny Laforêt1,2, Céline Antoine1,2, Sarah Lebrun2
1Laboratory of Bacteriology, Department of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, FARAH, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Liège, 4000 Liège, Belgium.
Viruses
|March 30, 2023
Summary
Bacteriophages, like ULIP33, show promise for treating antimicrobial resistance. This study found that phage ULIP33 did not significantly alter the human gut microbiota in an in vitro model.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Bacteriophages offer a potential alternative to antibiotics.
- Hypervirulent *Klebsiella pneumoniae* poses a significant health threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of bacteriophage vB_KpnP_K1-ULIP33 on the human intestinal microbiota.
- To assess the safety and ecological effects of phage ULIP33 in a simulated gut environment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the SHIME® (Simulator of the Human Intestinal Microbial Ecosystem) in vitro model.
- Administered phage ULIP33 to stabilized colonic microbiota for 7 days.
- Monitored microbial diversity, short-chain fatty acid production, and bacterial populations via qPCR.
Main Results:
- Phage ULIP33 did not significantly affect short-chain fatty acid concentrations.
- No significant changes were observed in microbial alpha and beta diversity.
- Relative abundance of key bacterial genera remained stable post-phage administration.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage ULIP33 demonstrated no significant adverse effects on the overall colonic microbiota composition and function in vitro.
- Further studies are warranted to confirm phage efficacy against *Klebsiella pneumoniae* within the human gut ecosystem.
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