Successful Use of Phage and Antibiotics Therapy for the Eradication of Two Bacterial Pathogens from the Respiratory Tract of an Infant

Abstract

Phage therapy can be a useful approach in a number of clinical cases associated with multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. In this study, we describe a successful consecutive phage and antibiotic application to cure a 3-month-old girl suffering from severe bronchitis after tracheostomy. Bronchitis was associated with two bacterial agents, MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa and a rare opportunistic pathogen Dolosigranulum pigrum. The phage cocktail "Pyobacteriophage" containing at least two different phages against isolated MDR P. aeruginosa strain was used via inhalation and nasal drops. Topical application of the phage cocktail removed most of P. aeruginosa cells and contributed to a change in the antimicrobial resistance profile of surviving P. aeruginosa cells. As a result, it became possible to choose and administer an appropriate antibiotic that was effective against both infectious agents. Complete recovery of the infant was recorded.

Keywords: Dolosigranulum pigrum; Multidrug resistance; Phage therapy; Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Respiratory tract infection.