Application of a novel phage vB_CjeM_WX1 to control Campylobacter jejuni in foods

Campylobacter jejuni is one of the leading causes of human gastroenteritis. Phage biocontrol is recognized as a natural, environmentally friendly technique that effectively targets pathogens in various foods. In this study, a novel C. jejuni phage named vB_CjeM_WX1 (WX1) was isolated from chicken feces. According to the morphology and genomic analysis, the phage belongs to the Eucampyvirinae genus within the subfamily of Caudoviricetes WX1 exhibited favorable physiological characteristics, as it could maintain its activity even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures (70 °C), acidity (pH = 4), alkalinity (pH = 12), NaCl concentration (1000 mM) and was UV-resistant for 50 min. WX1 could lyse 35 strains of C. jejuni, all of which are highly virulent and multi-drug resistant. Among them, 10 strains of C. jejuni exhibit strong biofilm formation, a critical factor in bacterial persistence and resistance to environmental stressors. The lysis rate of WX1 reached up to 47.3 % in 76 strains of C. jejuni. Phage WX1 inhibited the growth of multi-drug resistant, high virulence and strong biofilm C. jejuni 178-2B in NZCYM broth, as well as greatly reduced biofilm formation on stainless-steel, polyethylene surfaces, and glass. Moreover, phage WX1 decreased the number of C. jejuni in chicken skin to below the detection limit within 48 h. Therefore, phage WX1 can be used in food processing environments and poultry farming, both primary production and during slaughter with a great prospect.