Isolation and Characterization of Lytic Phage against Salmonella Typhimurium

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Significant prevalence of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella has been observed, causing global concern that it may lead to more severe health effects. Bacteriophages have emerged as an alternative treatment tool for managing bacterial infections, garnishing new attention. This study aimed to identify a Salmonella typhimurium-specific phage from chicken farms. The study verified the ability of lytic phage SAL 10 to stop the growth of bacteria. Furthermore, it involved conducting a series of phage analyses to verify their physical characteristics, such as temperature, pH, and host range. The Host ranges S. typhimurium of isolated phages against various strains were analyzed. Our results indicated that the isolated bacteriophages had a narrow range of activity. The phage was more stable at 37–50 °C and at pH 4–7. During the first 4 h of infection, phage SAL 10 inhibited the host bacterial growth. Following 24 h of incubation at 37 °C, we determined phage titration to be in the range of 103–108 PFU/mL in all experiments. Moreover, we determined the morphological properties of the phage using transmission electron microscopy, and the phage SAL 10 belonged to the order Caudovirales and family Siphoviridae. Results presented in this research show that SAL 10 phage can be used as a successful alternative to antibiotics.