The identification of phage vB_1086 of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and its synergistic effects with ceftriaxone

Microb Pathog. 2022 Oct:171:105722. doi: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105722. Epub 2022 Aug 17.

Abstract

Background: The continued rise of Klebsiella pneumoniae resistance to antibiotics is precipitating a medical crisis. Bacteriophages have been hailed as one possible therapeutic option to enhance the efficacy of antibiotics. This study describes the genomic characterization and biological property of a new bacteriophage vB_1086 and its potential for phage therapy application against Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Methods: In our study, the double-layer agar plate method isolated a lytic bacteriophage named vB_1086. Besides, we analyzed its biological characteristics and genetic background. Then the antibacterial ability of the bacteriophage vB_1086 combined with antibiotics were analyzed by the combined checkerboard method. The impact on the formation of biofilms was analyzed by crystal violet staining method.

Results: vB_1086 is a lytic bacteriophage with stable biological characteristics and clear genetic background, showing good antibacterial activity in combination with ceftriaxone, and the combination of phage and meropenem can effectively inhibit the formation of biofilm. Besides, the combination of bacteriophage and antimicrobials can effectively alleviate the generation of bacterial resistance and reduce the dosage of antimicrobials.

Conclusion: vB_1086 is a novel phage. To some extent, these results provide valuable information that phage vB_1086 can be combined with antibiotics to reduce the dosage of antimicrobials and alleviate the generation of bacterial resistance.

Keywords: Bacteriophage; Biofilm; Combination; Multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.

MeSH terms

  • Agar / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Bacterial Infections*
  • Bacteriophages* / genetics
  • Ceftriaxone / pharmacology
  • Gentian Violet
  • Humans
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Meropenem / pharmacology

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ceftriaxone
  • Agar
  • Meropenem
  • Gentian Violet