The emergence and spread of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) represent a major threat to global public health, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies to prevent infection.
Materials and Methods:
A novel bacteriophage, φKP-C01, was isolated and characterized using ST307KL102 CRKP as the host.
Results:
One-step growth curve analysis and complete genome sequencing demonstrated φKP-C01 to be a highly efficient lytic phage. The absence of genes encoding virulence factors, drug resistance determinants, or lysogeny-related functions indicated its potential safety for therapeutic applications. Bioinformatic analysis identified orf5 as encoding Depo-C01, a putative tail fiber protein with predicted depolymerase activity. To validate this function, orf5 was cloned, and recombinant Depo-C01 was expressed and purified. Depolymerase activity specifically targeting the KL102 capsular polysaccharide of the CRKP host was confirmed via spot assay and transmission electron microscopy.
Conclusion:
Lytic phage φKP-C01 and its depolymerase Depo-C01 show strong potential for phage-based or enzymatic strategies targeting CRKP infections.
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