Ecology of Anti-Biofilm Agents II: Bacteriophage Exploitation and Biocontrol of Biofilm Bacteria

Abstract

Bacteriophages are the viruses of bacteria. In the guise of phage therapy they have been used for decades to successfully treat what are probable biofilm-containing chronic bacterial infections. More recently, phage treatment or biocontrol of biofilm bacteria has been brought back to the laboratory for more rigorous assessment as well as towards the use of phages to combat environmental biofilms, ones other than those directly associated with bacterial infections. Considered in a companion article is the inherent ecological utility of bacteriophages versus antibiotics as anti-biofilm agents. Discussed here is a model for phage ecological interaction with bacteria as they may occur across biofilm-containing ecosystems. Specifically, to the extent that individual bacterial types are not highly abundant within biofilm-containing environments, then phage exploitation of those bacteria may represent a “Feast-or-famine” existence in which infection of highly localized concentrations of phage-sensitive bacteria alternate with treacherous searches by the resulting phage progeny virions for new concentrations of phage-sensitive bacteria to infect. An updated synopsis of the literature concerning laboratory testing of phage use to combat bacterial biofilms is then provided along with tips on how “Ecologically” such phage-mediated biofilm control can be modified to more reliably achieve anti-biofilm efficacy.

Bacteriophages: Their Structural Organisation and Function

“…In addition, many bacteria develop biofilm-a thick layer of viscous materials that protect them from antibiotics. Some phages are equipped with tools that can digest this biofilm [147]. There are some problems with phages, since they are easy to use for topical applications, but often specific medications have to be administered internally.…”

Ecology of the Oral Microbiome: Beyond Bacteria

“…Phage therapy does present a number of significant advantages compared to conventional antibiotic treatment: virtually limitless diversity of potential phage and the ability of phage to rapidly overcome resistance in situ [82, 83]. However, the capacity of phage therapy to effectively penetrate biofilms, where neighbors and polysaccharide barriers may block phage receptors, remains an area for further study and progress and is a particularly relevant issue in the oral cavity [84]. Additionally, while the specificity of phage allows it to minimally damage non-target species, leaving the overall community intact, it requires rapid identification of the target in question, as well as the target’s susceptibility to phage-mediated killing.…”

Biofilm formation by Salmonella sp. in the poultry industry: Detection, control and eradication strategies

“…In contrast, there are many studies that demonstrate that phage treatment is almost null or null (Borie et al, 2008;Higgins et al, 2008;Hurley, Maurer, & Lee, 2008;Johnson et al, 2008;Capparelli et al, 2010;Gebru et al, 2010;Sillankorva et al, 2010;Vandeplas, Dubois Dauphin, Beckers, Thonart, & Thewis, 2010;Wall, Zhang, Rostagno, & Ebner, 2010;Callaway et al, 2011). Abedon (2015) proposed, through a microbial ecology approach, various aspects to consider for effective application of phages on biofilms. This includes the application moment, the use of phage mixtures and the environment where phages are employed.…”