Characterization of Bacteriophage vB_PaeS_TUMS_P6 Infecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in healthcare settings that poses significant challenges due to its ability to rapidly develop antibiotic resistance. Its propensity to form biofilms and adapt to host defenses makes it even more difficult to treat, leading to prolonged and debilitating illnesses. So, it is vital to prioritize efforts to develop new strategies for treating infections caused by this pathogen. In the present work, morphological and biological characteristics of vB_PaeS_TUMS_P6 (P6), a lytic phage against P. aeruginosa, belonging to the genus Luzseptimavirus were fully described. Methods: P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was used for propagation and biological characterization of P6. Its morphology was assessed using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Adsorption rate assay, one-step growth curve analysis and time-kill experiment were analyzed. Host Range of P6, as well as pH and thermal stability were also determined. Results: The results showed that it was of classic podovirus morphology and had a short latent period. It could kill bacteria at multiplicity of infection as low as 0.01 and also infect some multidrug-resistant clinical isolates. Stability data suggested that P6 remained stable in various temperatures and pH levels, which is a beneficial characteristic for phage therapy in different situations Conclusion: This study presents promising data supporting the future use of P6 as a candidate for phage therapy.