Bacteriophage Therapy for <i>Escherichia Coli</i> -Induced Urinary Tract Infection In Rats
Kanika Bhargava, Gopal Nath, Neeraj Dhameja, Rajesh Kumar, Gajender Kumar Aseri, Neelam Jain
Abstract
Background: The present study evaluates the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy for urinary tract infection (UTI) in rats. Methods: UTI was established by inoculating Escherichia coli (100 μl) at a concentration of 1.5 × 108 CFU/ml per urethra via a cannula in different groups of rats. For treatment, phage cocktails (200 μl) were administered at varying concentrations of 1 × 108 PFU/ml, 1 × 107 PFU/ml and 1 × 106 PFU/ml. Results: The two doses of phage cocktail at the first two concentrations resulted in the cure of UTI. However, the lowest concentration of the phage cocktail warranted more doses to eradicate the causative bacteria. Conclusion: The quantity, frequency and safety of doses could be optimized in a rodent model using the urethral route.