Introducing "Rapid phage susceptibility testing" (RPST): an accelerated lytic phage activity test for routine
R Skusa1, J Kohlen1, A Podbielski1
1Institute of Medical Microbiology, Virology and Hygiene, University Medicine Rostock, Rostock, Germany.
Abstract:
Phage therapy, particularly for infections due to multi-drug-resistant bacteria, is increasingly gaining in importance. Consecutively, there is a rising need for phage testing in routine diagnostic laboratories. The incubation time of phage susceptibility testing for detecting lytic phage activity on phage/host strain combinations was evaluated. A standardized approach for routine diagnostic laboratories provided reliably detectable lysis zones within 8 hours.
Insights
Phage therapy is crucial for treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. New testing methods now reliably detect lytic phage activity within 8 hours for routine diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Virology
Background:
- Phage therapy is gaining importance for treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections.
- Routine phage susceptibility testing is increasingly needed in diagnostic laboratories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate incubation times for phage susceptibility testing.
- To establish a standardized approach for routine diagnostic laboratories.
Main Methods:
- Assessing incubation time for detecting lytic phage activity.
- Testing phage/host strain combinations.
Main Results:
- Reliably detectable lysis zones were achieved within 8 hours.
- A standardized approach was developed.
Conclusions:
- Phage susceptibility testing can be performed efficiently within routine laboratory hours.
- This facilitates the broader implementation of phage therapy.
