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Bacteriophage Effectiveness for Biocontrol of Foodborne Pathogens Evaluated via High-Throughput Settings
Published on: August 19, 2021
In vitro evaluation of phage cocktail efficiency against multiple aquaculture bacterial pathogens
João Duarte1, Carla Pereira1, Ricardo Calado2
1Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies (CESAM), Department of Biology, University of Aveiro, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal.
Journal of Applied Microbiology
|July 25, 2026
Summary
Combining bacteriophages (phages) in cocktails significantly enhances antibacterial efficacy against individual strains and multiple bacterial species. This phage cocktail approach shows promise for controlling diverse bacterial populations, even in challenging environments.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Bacteriology
- Virology
Background:
- Bacterial infections pose significant threats in aquaculture.
- Phage therapy offers a promising alternative to antibiotics.
- Controlling multiple bacterial species simultaneously is a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the enhanced antibacterial efficacy of phage cocktails against individual bacterial strains.
- To evaluate the simultaneous control of multiple bacterial species using phage cocktails.
- To investigate phage efficacy in different environmental conditions relevant to aquaculture.
Main Methods:
- Screening of a phage collection against Aeromonas hydrophila, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica Typhimurium, and Vibrio parahaemolyticus.
- Preparation and testing of two phage cocktails (CK3 and CK4) in vitro.
- Evaluation of phage efficacy against individual and mixed bacterial cultures in nutrient-rich media and synthetic seawater.
Main Results:
- Both phage cocktails demonstrated superior bacterial reduction compared to individual phage treatments.
- Phage cocktails effectively reduced bacterial regrowth.
- Phage efficacy was maintained, though reduced, in nutrient-limited conditions.
Conclusions:
- Phage cocktails provide enhanced antibacterial activity against single strains and multispecies bacterial systems.
- This study offers proof-of-concept for phage cocktail applications in aquaculture.
- Further evaluation of phage cocktails under aquaculture conditions is warranted.
