Comparative Study of Bacteriophage Pharmacokinetics by Different Enteral Administration Routes

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacokinetics
• Bacteriophage Therapy

Background:

• Bacteriophages are viruses that infect bacteria.
• Understanding phage pharmacokinetics is crucial for developing phage therapy.
• Salmonella phage SE40 and Escherichia phage V18 are potential therapeutic agents.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the pharmacokinetics of Salmonella phage SE40 and Escherichia phage V18.
• To compare the effects of oral versus rectal administration routes.
• To assess phage distribution in blood, urine, and feces.

Main Methods:

• Administration of phages via oral and rectal routes.
• Detection of phages using Spot-test, Gratia, and double-nested PCR.
• Quantification of phage concentrations in biological samples.

Main Results:

• Systemic phage presence was detected within 15-30 minutes post-administration.
• Phages persisted for up to 24 hours after administration.
• Oral administration led to higher blood phage concentrations.
• Rectal administration resulted in higher phage concentrations in urine and feces.
• Protection from stomach acidity is necessary for oral phage delivery.

Conclusions:

• Both oral and rectal routes enable systemic distribution of phages.
• Administration route influences phage concentration in different biological matrices.
• Optimized delivery methods are needed to enhance oral phage efficacy.