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Three Staphylococcus Bacteriophages Isolated from Swine Farm Environment in Quebec, Canada, Infecting S. chromogenes
Mousumi Sarker Chhanda1,2,3, Rébecca E St-Laurent1,2,3, Valérie E Paquet1,2
1Institut de Biologie Intégrative et des Systèmes (IBIS), Université Laval, Quebec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
Viruses
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Bacteriophages isolated from swine farms showed limited effectiveness against Exudative Epidermitis (EE) caused by Staphylococcus hyicus. These phages demonstrated a stronger preference for Staphylococcus chromogenes, making them unsuitable for controlling EE in swine production.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Microbiology
- Bacteriophage Therapy
- Swine Production Diseases
Background:
- Exudative Epidermitis (EE) is a significant swine disease caused by Staphylococcus hyicus.
- Antimicrobial resistance necessitates alternative treatments for EE.
- Bacteriophages are explored as potential alternatives to antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize bacteriophages targeting Staphylococcus hyicus.
- To evaluate the potential of isolated bacteriophages as an alternative to antibiotic treatment for EE.
- To assess the host range and biological properties of isolated phages.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of bacteriophages from swine farm samples using S. hyicus as host.
- Transmission electron microscopy for morphology analysis.
- RAPD-PCR and whole genome sequencing for genetic profiling.
- Host range analysis and adsorption tests.
Main Results:
- Three siphovirus-like bacteriophages (STAE-4, STAF-3, STAM-1) were isolated.
- Phages were genetically distinct but closely related to Staphylococcus chromogenes-infecting phages.
- Phages preferentially infected S. chromogenes strains, showing minimal activity against S. hyicus and S. agnetis.
- Phages showed some lytic activity against the specific S. hyicus strain SC366, but less efficiently than against S. chromogenes.
Conclusions:
- The isolated bacteriophages exhibit a stronger adaptation to Staphylococcus chromogenes than to Staphylococcus hyicus.
- These phages are not suitable candidates for controlling Exudative Epidermitis in swine.
- Further research may be needed to identify effective phages for EE control.
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