Open AccessBiological characteristics and anti-biofilm activity of a lytic phage against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium
Author(s) -
Forough Goodarzi,
Masoumeh Hallajzadeh,
Mohammad Sholeh,
Malihe Talebi,
Vahid Pirhajati Mahabadi,
Nour Amirmozafari
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iranian journal of microbiology.
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2008-4447
pISSN - 2008-3289
DOI - 10.18502/ijm.v13i5.7436
Subject(s) - enterococcus faecium , lytic cycle , microbiology and biotechnology , phage therapy , bacteriophage , vancomycin , biology , biofilm , antibiotics , virology , bacteria , staphylococcus aureus , escherichia coli , virus , genetics , biochemistry , gene
Background and Objectives: An important leading cause of the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci, especially Enterococcus faecium, is the inefficiency of antibiotics in the elimination of drug-resistant pathogens. Consequently, the need for alternative treatments is more necessary than ever.
Materials and Methods: A highly effective bacteriophage against vancomycin-resistant E. faecium called vB-EfmS-S2 was isolated from hospital sewage. The biological properties of phage S2 and its effect on biofilm structures were determined.
Results: Phage S2 was specifically capable of lysing a wide range of clinical E. faecium isolates. According to Electron mi- croscopy observations, the phage S2 belonged to the Siphoviridea family. Suitable pH spectra for phage survival was 5-11, at which the phage showed 100% activity. The optimal temperature for phage growth was 30-45°C, with the highest growth at 37°C. Based on one-step growth curve results, the latent period of phage S2 was 14 min with a burst size of 200 PFU/ml. The phage S2 was also able to tolerate bile at concentrations of 1 and 2% and required Mg2+ for an effective infection cycle. Biofilms were significantly inhibited and disrupted in the presence of the phage.
Conclusion: According to the results, phage S2 could potentially be an alternative for the elimination and control of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium biofilm.