Bacteriophages for Controlling Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae on Common Clinical Surface Materials

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae on surfaces, its increased antibiotic resistance, and strain-specific disinfectant resistance underscore the need for alternative decontamination methods. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the potential capacity of three newly isolated bacteriophages to control multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae on common clinical surface materials (steel, fabric, PVC, and polystyrene). To the best of our knowledge, no survival studies of K. pneumoniae on these materials have yet been conducted. Results: K. pneumoniae remained viable on surfaces for up to 24 h. After 24 h, reductions in bacterial counts were lower at 24°C (0.49–1.59 log colony-forming units [CFU]) than those observed at 37°C (1.69–3.88 log CFU). These results are noteworthy as temperatures in intensive care units (ICUs) and surgical wards are typically 20–26°C and 20–23°C, respectively. Applying the phages at multiplicity of infection (MOI) 1000 achieved reductions of up to 4.99 log CFU at hour six across the surfaces at 37°C, while in the control tests (without phages) the counts decreased by <1 log CFU. Comparison with a commercial disinfectant revealed a faster initial reduction in bacterial counts; however, regrowth occurred over time. In contrast, the phages steadily decreased the clinical strain’s bacterial counts over 6 h at 24°C. Conclusions: These findings suggest that bacteriophages can be used as effective disinfectants and as valuable tools for outbreak control in health care settings.