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Updated: Jul 26, 2025

Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings
Published on: August 19, 2021
Characterization of bacteriophage vB_KleM_KB2 possessing high control ability to pathogenic Klebsiella pneumoniae
Qin Peng1, Zimeng Ma1, Qing Han1
1Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Ecology of Tropical Islands, College of Life Sciences, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
Abstract:
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a widespread pathogen of several human diseases. The emergence of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae makes the treatment of these diseases a significant challenge. The application of bacteriophages is a potential approach for dealing with the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogenic bacteria. This study isolates a novel bacteriophage vB_KleM_KB2 that infects the multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae. The bacteriophage exhibits a short latent period of 10 min, and can effectively lyse the bacterium within 60 min. Notably, the bacteriophage can completely inhibit the growth of the host bacterium at the initial concentration of 107 CFU/mL with a low multiplicity of infection of 0.001, which proves its high lytic activity. Furthermore, the bacteriophage shows high environmental tolerances, which can facilitate the practical application of the bacteriophage. Analysis of the bacteriophage genome shows that the bacteriophage possesses a novel genome sequence and can represent a new bacteriophage genus. Considering the high lytic activity, short latent period, high stability, and novel genetic background, bacteriophage vB_KleM_KB2 enriches the bacteriophage library and provides a new alternative for controlling the diseases caused by multidrug-resistant pathogenic K. pneumoniae.
Insights
A novel bacteriophage, vB_KleM_KB2, effectively targets multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. This phage shows high lytic activity and environmental stability, offering a promising alternative for combating resistant bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Klebsiella pneumoniae is a significant human pathogen.
- The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) K. pneumoniae poses a major therapeutic challenge.
- Bacteriophage therapy presents a potential solution for combating MDR bacteria.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bacteriophage effective against MDR K. pneumoniae.
- To evaluate the lytic activity, stability, and genetic novelty of the isolated bacteriophage.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage vB_KleM_KB2 from clinical isolates.
- Assessment of latent period and lysis time.
- Determination of lytic activity at low multiplicity of infection.
- Evaluation of environmental tolerances.
- Genomic analysis of the bacteriophage.
Main Results:
- A novel bacteriophage, vB_KleM_KB2, was isolated, targeting MDR K. pneumoniae.
- The bacteriophage demonstrated a short latent period (10 min) and rapid lysis (60 min).
- High lytic activity was observed, inhibiting bacterial growth at a low multiplicity of infection (0.001).
- The bacteriophage exhibited significant environmental tolerances.
- Genomic analysis revealed a novel sequence, suggesting a new bacteriophage genus.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage vB_KleM_KB2 is a potent agent against MDR K. pneumoniae.
- Its rapid lytic activity, stability, and unique genetic makeup make it a valuable addition to the phage library.
- This bacteriophage offers a promising alternative for controlling diseases caused by MDR K. pneumoniae.
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