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A lytic phage targeting virulent Proteus mirabilis for effective biofilm eradication

Wenjie Ma1, Ping Li2, Xin Zhou3

  • 1College of Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Comparative Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225009, China.

Microbial Pathogenesis
|March 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

A novel bacteriophage, vB_PmiM_ZX7, effectively eradicated multidrug-resistant Proteus mirabilis biofilms, offering a promising alternative to antibiotics for catheter-associated urinary tract infections.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriophage Therapy
  • Antimicrobial Resistance

Background:

  • Proteus mirabilis is a key pathogen in catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs).
  • Crystalline biofilms produced by P. mirabilis contribute to chronic infections and antibiotic tolerance.
  • The rise of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. mirabilis necessitates alternative therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To isolate and characterize a novel lytic bacteriophage for targeting MDR P. mirabilis.
  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the bacteriophage against P. mirabilis biofilms in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation of bacteriophage vB_PmiM_ZX7 from sewage using P. mirabilis YV2.
  • Genome sequencing and analysis of the bacteriophage.
  • In vitro anti-biofilm assays and comparison with piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP).
  • In vivo safety evaluation in a murine model.
  • Assessment of anti-biofilm activity in a catheter-associated biofilm model.

Main Results:

  • vB_PmiM_ZX7 demonstrated a broad host range against MDR P. mirabilis isolates and stability across various pH and temperatures.
  • Genome analysis revealed genomic novelty with no identified virulence or antibiotic resistance genes.
  • The bacteriophage was safe in a murine model, with rapid clearance from blood and organs.
  • vB_PmiM_ZX7 eradicated 62.2% of established biofilms, outperforming TZP, and reduced biofilm matrix components.
  • Significant reduction in biofilm-associated bacterial viability was observed in a catheter model.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage vB_PmiM_ZX7 is a promising, safe therapeutic candidate against MDR P. mirabilis.
  • Its potent anti-biofilm activity makes it suitable for treating CAUTIs caused by P. mirabilis.
  • Phage therapy represents a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for MDR P. mirabilis infections.
Keywords:
Bacteriophage (phage)BiofilmPhage therapyProteus mirabilis

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