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Author Spotlight: Investigating Bacteriophage-Induced Immune Responses in Gnotobiotic Mice
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LicD-mediated cell wall decoration governs phage sensitivity in Enterococcus faecalis clinical isolates
Muhammed Awad1, George Bouras1, Sholeh Feizi1
1Department of Surgery-Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Basil Hetzel Institute for Translational Health Research, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide 5011, Australia; The Department of Surgery, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia.
Microbiological Research
|September 16, 2025
Summary
Three novel phages effectively target vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE). These phages reduce bacterial biofilms and surprisingly increase BIMs
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterococcus faecalis is a significant antibiotic-resistant pathogen.
- Vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis (VRE) poses a major clinical challenge.
- Bacteriophage therapy offers an alternative to antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize novel lytic phages targeting VRE.
- To evaluate the phages' antibacterial activity, host range, and antibiofilm efficacy.
- To investigate the characteristics of phage-insensitive mutants.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and identification of lytic phages.
- Genomic analysis of phages and bacterial isolates.
- In vitro testing of antibacterial and antibiofilm activity.
- Assessment of phage-insensitive mutant phenotypes.
Main Results:
- Three novel Kochikohdavirus phages were identified, targeting VRE.
- Phages demonstrated broad host range (>90% of isolates) and significant antibiofilm activity (>80% reduction).
- Bacteriophage insensitive mutants (BIMs) showed increased vancomycin sensitivity and reduced virulence.
Conclusions:
- Novel phages show promise for combating VRE infections.
- Phage therapy can be combined with antibiotics for enhanced efficacy.
- Phage-resistant mutants may exhibit attenuated virulence, reducing treatment complications.
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