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Updated: Sep 9, 2025

Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins
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Phage Phenomics: Physiological Approaches to Characterize Novel Viral Proteins

Published on: June 11, 2015

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Updated phage banks essential to cope with pathogen evolution: Lessons from Klebsiella pneumoniae and their phages

Pallavi Bhat Ajakkala1, Apoorva R Kenjar1, Sujana Prabell1

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbial Genomics, Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, 575018, Karnataka, India.

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection = Wei Mian Yu Gan Ran Za Zhi
|September 3, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lytic bacteriophages show promise against multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) infections, including biofilms. However, bacterial evolution necessitates continuous updates to phage banks for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (MDR-KP) poses a significant global health threat due to virulence factors like biofilm formation.
  • Antibiotic resistance necessitates alternative strategies, driving renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy.
  • Bacterial pathogens evolve dynamically, potentially leading to resistance against bacteriophages.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize bacteriophages with lytic activity against MDR-KP.
  • To evaluate the antibiofilm efficacy of candidate phages.
  • To assess the evolution of phage resistance in MDR-KP over time.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and screening of bacteriophages against 280 MDR-KP clinical isolates.
  • Grouping phages by host range and DNA fingerprinting.
  • Whole genome sequencing of selected candidate phages.

Main Results:

  • Five candidate phages demonstrated broad host range, strong bacteriolytic, and significant antibiofilm activity.
  • Phage KPØ6 was identified as a novel Taipevirus with broad host coverage.
  • A notable increase in MDR-KP phage resistance was observed between 2018-2020 and 2022-2023.

Conclusions:

  • Lytic bacteriophages are a viable alternative for managing MDR-KP infections, particularly in healthcare settings.
  • The characterized phages show potential for biocontrol and therapeutic applications against MDR-KP, including biofilm-related infections.
  • The rapid evolution of bacterial resistance underscores the importance of regularly updating phage collections.
Keywords:
Antimicrobial resistanceBacteriophagesBiofilmHost rangeWhole genome analysis

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