Genomic and Functional Characterization of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci-Specific Bacteriophages in the <i>Galleria mellonella</i> Wax Moth Larvae Model

Abstract

Phages are naturally occurring viruses that selectively kill bacterial species without disturbing the individual’s normal flora, averting the collateral damage of antimicrobial usage. The safety and the effectiveness of phages have been mainly confirmed in the food industry as well as in animal models. In this study, we report on the successful isolation of phages specific to Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, including Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) and Enterococcus faecalis from sewage samples, and demonstrate their efficacy and safety for VREfm infection in the greater wax moth Galleria mellonella model. No virulence-associated genes, antibiotic resistance genes or integrases were detected in the phages’ genomes, rendering them safe to be used in an in vivo model. Phages may be considered as potential agents for therapy for bacterial infections secondary to multidrug-resistant organisms such as VREfm.

Keywords

• bacteriophage
• <i>Galleria mellonella</i>
• vancomycin-resistant <i>Enterococcus faecium</i>