Assessment of Cholera Bacteriophages Mixture Safety on an Experimental Animal Model

Abstract

The spread of Vibrio cholerae strains with multiple antibiotic resistance necessitates the search for alternatives to antibiotics. Cholera bacteriophages can become such means.The aim of the work was to study the safety of a mixture of cholera bacteriophages using an experimental animal model.Materials and methods. We used a composition based on cholera phages Rostov-M3, Rostov-13, FB1. The toxicity of the drug, cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects in experimental animals were assessed.Results and discussion. It has been shown that a single administration of the maximum defined dose of the mixture of phages does not cause negative effects on the body of laboratory animals. Comparison with the control group has not revealed statistically significant differences in the histological picture in the organs of the experimental animals after long-term administration of the drug. Also, after a single and repeated seven-day administration, these phages do not cause apoptosis and necrosis of immune competent cells in experimental animals. The results of the studies indicate the safety of the 3-component phage composition and can be used for the further development of new biological products based on cholera bacteriophages in the future.