Characterization of Novel Lytic Myoviridae Phage Infecting Multidrug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and Synergistic Antimicrobial Efficacy between Phage and Sacha Inchi Oil

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains of Acinetobacter baumannii have become a major cause of hospital-acquired infections, resulting in an increase in morbidity and mortality worldwide. Many alternative treatments, including phage therapy, are attractive approaches for overcoming problems posed by antibiotic resistance. A newly isolated phage, vWUPSU-specific MDR A. baumannii, showed a narrow host range against MDR A. baumannii. This research was conducted to isolate, characterize, and apply the phage with sacha inchi oil as an alternative antimicrobial agent. Genome analysis suggested that phage vWUPSU is a novel phage belonging to the family Myoviridae, order Caudoviridae. This phage prevented biofilm formation and eradicated preformed biofilms in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, a synergistic antimicrobial effect of the interaction between phage vWUPSU and sacha inchi oil on planktonic cells was observed. The combination of phage and sacha inchi oil significantly inhibited and removed biofilms, compared with the effects of either single treatment. The results of this work indicate that phage vWUPSU could potentially be applied to control MDR A. baumannii. The antibacterial and antibiofilm activities of the combination of phage vWUPSU and sacha inchi oil have attracted significant interests in the development of antibacterial phage products as beneficial treatment options.

Characterisation and sequencing of the novel phage Abp95, which is effective against multi-genotypes of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

“…Moreover, several studies have demonstrated the synergistic effect of combined phage and the antibiotic therapy 34 – 37 . Few studies had focused on isolating new bacteriophages with a broad spectrum 38 – 40 and developing phage cocktails 41 against DTR-AB. Meanwhile, phage encoded endolysins Ply6A3 42 , LysSS, and vB_AbaP_D2 and depolymerase enzymes have been reported to display wide antibacterial spectra 43 , 44 .…”

Virulence Characteristics and Emerging Therapies for Biofilm-Forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A Review

“…In fact, recently, a study conducted by Yang et al showed the efficacy of virulent AB1 bacteriophage against A. baumannii by isolating and characterizing virulent AB1 bacteriophage representing it as a unique therapeutic with some potent efficacy [ 105 ]. The amalgamation of phage-vWUPSU, family Myoviridae and sacha inchi oil as antimicrobial agents suggestively repressed and detached biofilms, compared with the effects of either single treatment [ 106 ]. In recent years, the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities of several phages targeting MDR A. baumannii have been characterized [ 107 ].…”

Identification and Characterization of a Bacteriophage with Lytic Activity against Multidrug Resistant E. coli

“…The rise in infections severity and treatment failure requires safe and efficient alternatives. Bacteriophages have been characterized in recent years for their antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities [9][10][11][12]. In addition, bacteriophages are also used in different fields, such as DNA delivery [13] and bio-control [14].…”