Two Novel Lytic Bacteriophages having Therapeutic Potential against MDR Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli strains of zoonotic potential

Abstract

Abstract Avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) is associated with local and systemic infections in poultry, ducks turkeys and many other avian species which leads to heavy economical losses. These APEC strains are presumed to possess zoonotic potential due to common virulence markers that can cause urinary tract infections in humans. The prophylactic use of antibiotics in poultry sector has led to rapid emergence of Multiple Drug Resistant (MDR) APEC strains that also put human populations at risk acting as reservoirs. This calls for consideration of alternative strategies for their treatment such as phage therapy. Here, we report isolation, characterization, and genome analysis of two novel lytic phage species (Escherichia phage SKA49 and Escherichia phage SKA64) against MDR strain of APEC, QZJM25. Both phages were able to keep QZJM25 growth significantly less than bacterial control for approximately 18 hours. Host range was tested against Escherichia coli strains of poultry and human UTI infections. SKA49 had broader host range contrast to SKA64. Both phages were stable at 37°C only. Their genome analysis indicated their safety as no recombination, integration and host virulence genes were identified. Based on this analysis both these phages can be used as effective biocontrol agents in poultry industry.