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Updated: Sep 16, 2025

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Published on: May 12, 2020
Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas phage HJ01 and its therapeutic efficacy in canine pyoderma
Yixian Wei1, Ziyong Li1, Jianlong Lao1
1College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Animal Reproduction, Breeding and Disease Control, Guangxi University, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Engineering Research Center of Veterinary Biologics, Nanning, Guangxi, 530004, China.
Background:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major pathogen in canine pyoderma, with increasing antibiotic resistance necessitating the development of alternative therapies. This study aimed to isolate and characterize a lytic phage targeting multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa and evaluate its therapeutic efficacy in a canine pyoderma model. The key methods include isolation of phage HJ01 from wastewater, identification of genomic and biological characteristics, and subcutaneous injection of HJ01 in a canine pyoderma model induced by P. aeruginosa.
Results:
The host strain GDPA-01 exhibited multidrug resistance, with a 75% resistance gene detection rate, and harbored virulence genes such as exoU and exoT. Phage HJ01, classified as Pakpunavirus, exhibited optimal activity at pH 6.0-8.0, thermal stability up to 50 °C, a latent period of 20 min, and a burst size of 52 PFU/cell. In vivo, compared with the controls, HJ01 significantly reduced pruritus, cytology, and skin lesion scores (p < 0.05). Histopathology confirmed that in dogs treated with HJ01, epidermal repair was accelerated and inflammation was reduced.
Conclusions:
HJ01 emerges as a promising therapeutic candidate for managing multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa infections in companion animals. This study pioneers the application of phage therapy in canine pyoderma, highlighting its potential to mitigate antibiotic overuse and address public health risks associated with zoonotic multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Insights
Phage therapy using HJ01 shows promise for treating multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in dogs with pyoderma. This approach offers an alternative to antibiotics, reducing resistance and public health risks.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Microbiology
- Bacteriophage Therapy
Background:
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of canine pyoderma.
- Antibiotic resistance in P. aeruginosa necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Phage therapy presents a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a lytic phage effective against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.
- To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the isolated phage (HJ01) in a canine pyoderma model.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of phage HJ01 from wastewater.
- Genomic and biological characterization of phage HJ01.
- In vivo efficacy testing of HJ01 in a P. aeruginosa-induced canine pyoderma model.
Main Results:
- Phage HJ01 demonstrated optimal activity within a specific pH and temperature range.
- HJ01 significantly reduced clinical signs of pyoderma, including pruritus and skin lesions.
- Histopathology revealed accelerated epidermal repair and reduced inflammation in treated dogs.
Conclusions:
- Phage HJ01 is a viable therapeutic candidate for canine pyoderma caused by multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.
- This study establishes phage therapy as a novel treatment for canine pyoderma.
- The findings support phage therapy's role in combating antibiotic resistance and zoonotic risks.
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