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Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
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Two virulent bacteriophages targeting carbapenem-resistant Raoultella planticola

Cuong V Hoang1, Jonathan Fan1, Lauren Bhasin1

  • 1Department of Microbiology & Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|January 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Two novel bacteriophages, Macy and Sally, show promise for combating carbapenem-resistant Raoultella planticola (CRRP) infections. Their distinct characteristics offer a foundation for developing phage cocktails against these challenging multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Virology
  • Genomics

Background:

  • Carbapenem-resistant Raoultella planticola (CRRP) is an emerging nosocomial pathogen posing significant treatment challenges due to limited therapeutic options.
  • Bacteriophage therapy presents a potential alternative for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To comparatively characterize two novel virulent bacteriophages, Macy and Sally, isolated from soil.
  • To evaluate their lytic activity, host range, biofilm disruption capabilities, and genomic features.
  • To understand the genomic basis of CRRP resistance.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages Macy and Sally.
  • Assessment of lytic potency, burst size, host specificity, and biofilm disruption.
  • SNP analysis to identify resistance mechanisms in Raoultella isolates.
  • Genomic sequencing, phylogenomic analysis, and pangenomic comparisons.

Main Results:

  • Macy demonstrated high lytic potency and biofilm disruption, with narrow host specificity.
  • Sally exhibited broader host range, acid tolerance, and significant biofilm reduction.
  • CRRP resistance was linked to mutations in polysaccharide biosynthesis and LysR-family regulation genes, impacting bacterial fitness.
  • Genomic analysis revealed distinct evolutionary paths for Macy (Straboviridae) and Sally (Casjensviridae).

Conclusions:

  • Macy and Sally possess complementary therapeutic potential against multidrug-resistant Raoultella.
  • Their distinct genomic and phenotypic profiles provide a foundation for developing effective phage cocktails.
  • Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for optimizing phage therapy strategies.
Keywords:
bacteriophage therapycarbapenem-resistant Raoultella planticolaclinical strainshost rangemultidrug-resistant pathogens

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