Isolation of bacteriophages from wastewaters on clinical Streptococcus species

Abstract

Aim: Excessive use of antimicrobials has resulted in broad antimicrobial resistances in bacteria as well as problems in their infection treatments, which lead to increased case mortalities and medical costs. One of the alternative treatments includes use of bacteriophages. Therefore, the major aim of the current study was to isolate bacteriophages from sewages on bacteria from biological samples to potentially use in infections. Materials & methods: Urban wastewater samples were used to isolate bacteriophages on streptococcal isolates. Bacteriophages were characterized using phenotypic and genotypic methods. Results: Five bacteriophages were isolated on Streptococcus agalactiae, mostly belonging to the Caudovirales order. Conclusion: As the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria has created medical problems, identification of novel bacteriophages for use in infection treatments seems an appropriate solution.