Aerosolic Application of Phages Against S. infantis on Plates and Chicken Skin

Area of Science:

• Microbiology and Virology
• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Research
• Bacteriophage Applications

Background:

• Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are a potential alternative to antibiotics for combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Expanding phage therapy applications requires evaluating methods like aerosolization, which necessitates understanding phage infectivity post-nebulization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the infectivity and efficacy of nebulized phage particles against Salmonella infantis.
• To evaluate the potential of using commercial nebulizers for aerosolized phage delivery in combating bacterial infections.

Main Methods:

• Salmonella infantis cultures on plates and chicken skin were treated with nebulized Myoviridae phage particles.
• A commercial nebulizer, typically used for hydrogen peroxide disinfection, was employed for phage aerosolization.
• Transmission electron microscopy was used for phage identification, and bacterial reduction was quantified.

Main Results:

• Nebulized phage particles demonstrated the ability to infect Salmonella infantis.
• Aerosol-applied phages successfully reduced bacterial numbers on both plate cultures and chicken skin.
• Ultrasound technology within the nebulizer facilitated effective phage delivery and subsequent bacterial infection.

Conclusions:

• Aerosolized phage particles retain infectivity and efficacy against Salmonella, supporting their potential use in combating bacterial infections.
• Commercial nebulizers can be adapted for phage aerosol delivery, broadening therapeutic application possibilities.
• Further research is needed to standardize aerosolized phage application protocols for different phage types and conditions.