A novel lytic phage exhibiting a remarkable in vivo therapeutic potential and higher antibiofilm activity against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a nosocomial bacterium responsible for variety of infections. Inappropriate use of antibiotics could lead to emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa strains. Herein, a virulent phage; vB_PaeM_PS3 was isolated and tested for its application as alternative to antibiotics for controlling P. aeruginosa infections. Methods Phage morphology was observed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The phage host range and efficiency of plating (EOP) in addition to phage stability were analyzed. One-step growth curve was performed to detect phage growth kinetics. The impact of isolated phage on planktonic cells and biofilms was assessed. The phage genome was sequenced. Finally, the therapeutic potential of vB_PaeM_PS3 was determined in vivo. Results Isolated phage has an icosahedral head and a contractile tail and was assigned to the family Myoviridae. The phage vB_PaeM_PS3 displayed a broad host range, strong bacteriolytic ability, and higher environmental stability. Isolated phage showed a short latent period and large burst size. Importantly, the phage vB_PaeM_PS3 effectively eradicated bacterial biofilms. The genome of vB_PaeM_PS3 consists of 93,922 bp of dsDNA with 49.39% G + C content. It contains 171 predicted open reading frames (ORFs) and 14 genes as tRNA. Interestingly, the phage vB_PaeM_PS3 significantly attenuated P. aeruginosa virulence in host where the survival of bacteria-infected mice was markedly enhanced following phage treatment. Moreover, the colonizing capability of P. aeruginosa was markedly impaired in phage-treated mice as compared to untreated infected mice. Conclusion Based on these findings, isolated phage vB_PaeM_PS3 could be potentially considered for treating of P. aeruginosa infections.

Characterization of the novel broad-spectrum lytic phage Phage_Pae01 and its antibiofilm efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa

“…The latency period of the phage was 30 min, the lysis period was 60 min, and the burst size was about 10 6 . Although the latent period was longer, the burst size of Phage_Pae01 was significantly greater than those of most previously reported P. aeruginosa phages ( Wannasrichan et al, 2022 ; Abdelghafar et al, 2023 ; Teklemariam et al, 2023 ). Thus, a longer incubation period leads to the production of a greater number of progeny phages.…”