Evaluation of the effectiveness of bacteriophage therapy against salmonella infections in mice

Abstract

Aim: The increase of infections caused by antimicrobial resistant salmonellaehas become a serious problem worldwide. In this study, it was aimed to investigatethe efficacy of bacteriophage treatment in mouse models by preparinga cocktail with four ΦSP-3 lytic phages (Salmonella Dublin, S. Typhimurium, S.Anatum, S. Kentucky) isolated from cattle feces as an alternative application.Materials and Methods: A total of 80 mice (total 8 experimental groups andeach group included 10 mice) were challenged with salmonella strains by oralroute. After challenge, bacteriohage coctail to mice were administrated by oralroute. Mice were observed for occurence of morbidity and mortality for 20days. Also, faecal samples were bacteriologically examined to determine theeffect of bacteriophage treatment on the spreading of Salmonella species withfeces.Results: The morbidity and mortality were observed in two mice, administeredbacteriophage coctail following challenge with S. Dublin and S. Typhimurium.In addition, re-isolation of S. Dublin and S. Typhimurium from internalorgans in 2 death mice were done. The morbidity and mortality in mice challengedwith S. Kentucky and S. Anatum and administered bacteriophage coctailwas not observed and re-isolation from internal organs were not carried out.However, re-isolation from feces of mice in all groups were made.Conclusion: The findings of present study revealed that bacteriophage cocktailsobtained from cattle faeces prevented mortality and morbidity in Salmonellainfected mice, and reduced the spread of Salmonella spp. Therefore, bacteriophagetherapy could be used for protection against salmonella infections.

Keywords

• bacteriophage
• therapy
• mice
• salmonella