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Isolation, functional characterization and antibiofilm properties of a lytic Enterococcus phage RG1 against multidrug

Rakesh Kumar Singh1, Riya Anand1, Ajeet Singh1

  • 1Zoology Section, Mahila Mahavidyalaya, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.

Scientific Reports
|October 30, 2025
PubMed

Insights

A novel lytic bacteriophage, RG1, was isolated from the Ganga River to combat multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium infections. This phage demonstrates broad-spectrum antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, offering a promising alternative therapeutic strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Enterococcus faecium is a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing significant nosocomial infections.
  • The rise of antibiotic resistance necessitates the development of alternative therapeutics.
  • Bacteriophage therapy is emerging as a viable alternative to antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel lytic bacteriophage effective against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium.
  • To evaluate the therapeutic potential of the isolated phage against clinical isolates of E. faecium.
  • To investigate the phage's stability and host range for potential precision phage therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of a lytic bacteriophage (RG1) from the Ganga River against E. faecium.
  • Whole genome sequencing of the bacteriophage RG1.
  • Assessment of phage stability across various pH, temperature, and chloroform concentrations.
  • Evaluation of antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against E. faecium isolates.
  • Investigation of synergistic effects of sugars and sugar alcohols on phage efficacy.

Main Results:

  • RG1, a novel lytic phage belonging to the Efemquintavirus genus, was identified.
  • The phage possesses a dsDNA genome encoding 65 open reading frames, with no identified virulence, antibiotic resistance, or lysogeny genes.
  • RG1 demonstrated high stability and broad-spectrum antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against E. faecium.
  • Specific sugars (ribose, maltose, trehalose) suppressed bacterial growth, while sugar alcohols enhanced phage-mediated lysis.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage RG1 exhibits significant therapeutic potential against multidrug-resistant Enterococcus faecium.
  • The phage's stability, broad host range, and synergistic interactions with certain compounds support its application in precision phage therapy.
  • RG1 represents a promising alternative therapeutic agent for combating nosocomial E. faecium infections.
Keywords:
Antibiotic resistanceBiofilmEnterococciPhage therapySugar molecules

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