Phage therapy has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae-related infections. However, information on the physicochemical stability and molecular characteristics of Klebsiella phages is limited.
Materials and Methods:
Phages targeting MDR K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae clinical isolates were isolated from wastewater through the enrichment method. Host range analysis, efficiency of plating, and genomic studies were conducted to identify the most effective phage for further growth kinetics, physicochemical studies, and molecular characterization, respectively.
Results:
Klebsiella phage vB_Kpn_001_Koku targeting MDR K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae isolated from market sewage exhibited optimal viability at 4°C and at pH 7.5. Its genome has a size of 38,232 bp of double-stranded linear DNA with a G + C content of 51% and 29 functional genes (54.7%), with no deleterious genes.
Conclusion:
Klebsiella phage vB_Kpn_001_Koku is the best candidate for phage therapy against MDR K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae owing to its broader host range, stability across a wide range of temperatures and pH levels, and notable molecular characteristics.
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