Bacteriophages as Antibacterial Agents Against Bovine Pathobionts Associated with Foodborne Human Morbidity

Rates of foodborne infectious disease are increasing globally. The One Health zoonoses report shows increasing cases of shigatoxigenic Escherichia coli, campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis and listeriosis in the last 5 years. The ESKAPE pathogens are the top priority due to their alarming rate of resistance to broad-spectrum beta-lactams, carbapenems, glycopeptides, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides and biocide solutions. Research assessing alternative biocontrol options highlight the advantages of bacteriophages in the control of resistant bacterial species. Phage formulations including ListShield^TM and SalmoFresh^TM have gained FDA approval for food production. As biocontrol agents, however, phages are limited by their specificity in a multispecies environment, the presence of environmental variables and bacterial resistance mechanisms. Genetic modification and the use of phage cocktails aim to overcome such limitations. Future research is warranted in a harmonised approach supported by a defined legal framework to establish best formulation and exposure protocols. This review discusses phages as biocontrol agents in the control of high-risk pathobionts associated with foodborne illness. Pathobionts associated with bovine livestock are discussed due to the morbidity and incidence of disease associated with such pathogens.