We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
RANDOX LABORATORIES

Download Mobile App




Bacteriophage Therapy Eliminates Multidrug Resistant Bacterial Infections

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 01 Mar 2015
Print article
Image: Bacteriophage EFDG1 visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at a magnification of 20,000–30,000 times. Note that some phages are still bound to remains of the dead bacteria (Photo courtesy of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem).
Image: Bacteriophage EFDG1 visualized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at a magnification of 20,000–30,000 times. Note that some phages are still bound to remains of the dead bacteria (Photo courtesy of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem).
Bacteriophage therapy has been shown to be an effective approach for treating infections caused by drug-resistant strains of the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis.

E. faecalis, a bacterium inhabiting the gastrointestinal tracts of humans, is an important pathogen found in many infections including endocarditis, urinary tract infection, meningitis, and persistent infections associated with root canal treatment failure. The difficulty in E. faecalis treatment has been attributed to the lack of anti-infective strategies to eradicate its biofilm and to the frequent emergence of multidrug resistant strains.

Investigators at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Israel) evaluated the possibility of treating E. faecalis infections with specific bacteriophages, viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. To this end, they isolated an anti-E. faecalis and E. faecium phage, from effluents obtained from a Jerusalem (Israel), sewage treatment facility.

The EFDG1phage was visualized by electron microscopy. EFDG1 DNA coding sequences and phylogeny were determined by whole genome sequencing, which revealed that it belonged to the Spounavirinae subfamily of the Myoviridae phages, which includes promising candidates for therapy against Gram positive pathogens. This analysis also showed that the EFDG1 genome did not contain apparent harmful genes.

EFDG1 antibacterial efficacy was evaluated in vitro against planktonic and biofilm cultures. Results published in the February 6, 2015, online edition of the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology showed that the phage displayed effective lytic activity against various E. faecalis and E. faecium isolates, regardless of their antibiotic resistance profile. Additionally, EFDG1 efficiently prevented ex vivo E. faecalis root canal infection.

Senior author Dr. Ronen Hazan, professor of dental sciences at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, said, “The idea of using phages as antibacterial drugs is not new. Phage therapy was first proposed at the start of the 20th century, but then abandoned for various reasons, including the striking success of chemical antibiotics. Now we stand on the verge of a new era with the limitations of synthetic antibiotics and the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria. Thus it is the right time to look again into what Mother Nature offers in the battle against bacteria. As this research shows, bacteriophages may prove an effective tool in the development of much-needed new antimicrobial drugs.”

Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Related Links:
Gold Member
Troponin T QC
Troponin T Quality Control
Unit-Dose Packaging solution
HLX
New
UHF RFID Tag and Inlay
AD-321r6/AD-321r6-P
New
Chlamydia Test Kit
CHLAMYTOP

Print article

Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image: The new saliva-based test for heart failure measures two biomarkers in about 15 minutes (Photo courtesy of Trey Pittman)

POC Saliva Testing Device Predicts Heart Failure in 15 Minutes

Heart failure is a serious condition where the heart muscle is unable to pump sufficient oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. It ranks as a major cause of death globally and is particularly fatal for... Read more

Molecular Diagnostics

view channel
Image: The bowel cancer breakthrough could result in better treatment outcomes (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

New RNA Molecules Can Help Predict Bowel Cancer Return Recurrence

Colorectal cancer accounts for 10% of all cancer-related deaths worldwide and was ranked as the second most common cause of cancer death in the United States in 2022. Currently, clinicians face diagnostic... Read more

Hematology

view channel
Image: QScout CBC will give a complete blood count in 2 minutes from fingerstick or venous blood (Photo courtesy of Ad Astra Diagnostics)

Next Gen CBC and Sepsis Diagnostic System Targets Faster, Earlier, Easier Results

Every hour is critical in protecting patients from infections, yet there are currently limited tools to assist in early diagnosis before patients reach a hospital. The complete blood count (CBC) is a common... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image: The InfectoSynovia test has the potential to revolutionize the diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

High-Accuracy Bedside Test to Diagnose Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Five Minutes

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) represents a significant global issue that is worsening as the number of joint replacements increases due to aging populations. In the United States alone, the anticipated... Read more

Pathology

view channel
Image

AI-Based Method Shows Promise for Pathological Diagnosis of Hereditary Kidney Diseases

Alport syndrome is a hereditary kidney disorder characterized by kidney dysfunction, sensorineural hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. Early in the disease, patients experience hematuria, which is... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.