Exploring the Benefits of Metal Ions in Phage Cocktail for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Infection
Xinxin Li, Yibao Chen, Shuang Wang, Xiaochao Duan, Fenqiang Zhang, Aizhen Guo, Tao Pan, Huanchun Chen, Xiangmin Li, Ping Qian
Abstract
Background: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is an important zoonotic pathogen worldwide. Infections due to MRSA are associated with higher mortality rates compared with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. Meanwhile, bacteriophages have been shown to overcome the emergence of MRSA. Methods: Phage PHB22a, PHB25a, PHB38a, and PHB40a were isolated. Here, we evaluated the ability of a phage cocktail containing phages PHB22a, PHB25a, PHB38a, and PHB40a against MRSA S-18 strain in vivo and in vitro. Phage whole-genome sequencing, host-range determination, lytic activity, and biofilm clearance experiments were performed in vitro. Galleria mellonella larvae and a mouse systemic infection model to evaluate the efficacy of phage therapy in vivo.