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Characterization of a Phage vB_LZ 2044 Deriving from K1-Type Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae Efficient Against

Lingrui Shi1,2, Yuanhui Su3, Zhen Li1,2

  • 1Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Southwest Medical University, No. 1 Section 1, Xiang Lin Road, Longmatan District, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, China.

Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins
|June 25, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophage vB_LZ 2044 effectively targets and lyses hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp). This stable phage shows promise as a novel antimicrobial agent for treating hvKp infections, as demonstrated in a mouse model.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology and Virology
  • Antimicrobial Resistance Research
  • Bacteriophage Therapy

Background:

  • Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp) poses a significant threat due to antimicrobial resistance.
  • Bacteriophages are being explored as a therapeutic alternative to antibiotics for hvKp infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate, characterize, and evaluate the therapeutic potential of bacteriophage vB_LZ 2044 against hvKp.
  • To assess the stability, efficacy, and safety of vB_LZ 2044 in vitro and in a preclinical mouse model.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage vB_LZ 2044 using hvKp NTUH-K2044.
  • Assessment of lytic activity, burst size, and stability across various pH and temperature ranges.
  • Genetic analysis of the phage genome and in vivo efficacy testing in a mouse model of hvKp liver infection.

Main Results:

  • Phage vB_LZ 2044 demonstrated broad efficacy against K1 serotype Klebsiella pneumoniae strains with a high burst size (396.7 PFU/cell).
  • The phage exhibited remarkable stability over a wide pH (4-10) and temperature (4-40 °C) range.
  • vB_LZ 2044 successfully treated hvKp-induced liver infections in mice without causing observable liver damage or inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage vB_LZ 2044 is a robust and effective agent against hvKp.
  • Its stability and demonstrated efficacy in a preclinical model support its potential as a novel antimicrobial therapeutic agent.
Keywords:
BacteriophagesGenetic characteristicsHypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniaeLiver infection

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