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SMALL BUT MIGHTY: CHARACTERIZATION OF VB_SPY_7, A LYTIC PHAGE TARGETING STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES
S Rigvava1, I Kusradze2, N Karumidze3
11G. Eliava Institute of Bacteriophage, Microbiology and Virology, Tbilisi; 2Caucasus International University, Tbilisi, Georgia.
Georgian Medical News
|December 26, 2024
Summary
New phage therapy using bacteriophages targets antibiotic-resistant Streptococcus pyogenes. Phage Pastilles offer a novel, sustained-release method for treating oral and respiratory infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriophage Therapy
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance in pathogens like Streptococcus pyogenes necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating microbial infections.
- Controlled-release formulations can enhance the efficacy of phage therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a novel lytic bacteriophage, vB_SPY_7, targeting Streptococcus pyogenes.
- To evaluate the suitability of vB_SPY_7 for incorporation into Phage Pastilles, a sustained-release formulation.
- To assess the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage therapy for oral and upper respiratory tract infections.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage vB_SPY_7 from wastewater.
- Host range analysis, plaque assays, adsorption kinetics, and growth curve studies.
- Electron microscopy and whole-genome sequencing of bacteriophage vB_SPY_7.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophage vB_SPY_7 was identified as a novel lytic phage targeting Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Genomic analysis revealed a 35,679 bp genome with 46 predicted open reading frames.
- vB_SPY_7 demonstrated high activity and viability for therapeutic use, particularly in sustained-release Phage Pastilles.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophage vB_SPY_7 is a potent therapeutic candidate against Streptococcus pyogenes.
- Phage Pastilles provide an effective sustained-release system for bacteriophage delivery.
- This approach holds significant potential for combating antibiotic-resistant infections in the oral and respiratory tracts.
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