Characterization and therapeutic potential of vB_PaeM_QR7: a highly efficient lytic bacteriophage against multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa
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Published on: May 12, 2020
Jiaqi Pu1, Mengge Chen1, Tong Yu1
1School of Life Sciences and Medicine, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo 255000, China.
Aims:
The increasing burden of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) infections highlights the need for antibiotic-sparing approaches. This study isolated and characterized a lytic bacteriophage active against MDR P. aeruginosa and evaluated its potential for infection control and milk decontamination.
Methods And Results:
The lytic bacteriophage vB_PaeM_QR7 was isolated from sewage and characterized using morphological, phenotypic, and genomic analyses. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a 45 421-bp linear double-stranded DNA genome with no predicted virulence determinants and antibiotic resistance genes. vB_PaeM_QR7 showed high lytic efficiency (optimal MOI = 1 × 10-5), stability across 30-50°C and pH 4-11, a short latent period, and a burst size of 92.43 ± 52.29 PFU cell-1. The bacteriophage inhibited biofilm formation by 65.88 ± 0.04% and reduced established biofilms by 71.27 ± 0.05%. In milk, vB_PaeM_QR7 reduced bacterial loads by 5.40 ± 0.12 log10 CFU mL-1 , and in the Galleria mellonella infection model, it increased larval survival by 50%.
Conclusions:
vB_PaeM_QR7 is a newly identified lytic bacteriophage with activity against 10 MDR P. aeruginosa isolates, including cephalosporin- and carbapenem-resistant strains, supporting its further development as an alternative antimicrobial agent.
Insights
A novel bacteriophage, vB_PaeM_QR7, effectively targets multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This phage shows potential for controlling infections and decontaminating milk, offering an alternative to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections pose a significant global health threat.
- There is an urgent need for novel antimicrobial strategies beyond traditional antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a lytic bacteriophage active against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa.
- To evaluate the bacteriophage's efficacy in infection control and milk decontamination.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and characterization of bacteriophage vB_PaeM_QR7 from sewage.
- Genomic, phenotypic, and morphological analyses of the bacteriophage.
- Assessment of lytic activity, stability, biofilm inhibition, and efficacy in a milk model and a Galleria mellonella infection model.
Main Results:
- The bacteriophage vB_PaeM_QR7 possesses a double-stranded DNA genome with no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes.
- It exhibits high lytic efficiency, broad stability (30-50°C, pH 4-11), and a significant burst size.
- Demonstrated 65.88% inhibition of biofilm formation, 71.27% reduction of established biofilms, and a 5.40 log10 reduction in bacterial load in milk.
Conclusions:
- vB_PaeM_QR7 is a potent lytic bacteriophage effective against multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, including resistant strains.
- The bacteriophage shows promise as a safe and effective alternative antimicrobial agent.
- Further development of vB_PaeM_QR7 for clinical and industrial applications is warranted.
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