A novel isolated phage targeting Pseudomonas aeruginosa demonstrates therapeutic potential

Abstract

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative opportunistic bacterium responsible for severe infections such as pneumonia, septicemia, and keratitis. It poses a significant treatment challenge due to its extensive antibiotic resistance and its capacity to form biofilms, which provide bacterial communities with a protective barrier against antibiotics. An increasing number of studies have identified phage therapy as a potential therapeutic solution amidst the current crisis of antibiotic resistance in medicine. Here, we isolated three novel phages in the campus environment and selected one, PW01, for detailed analysis. Host range was determined against clinical isolates, and biological features were evaluated through growth kinetics and biofilm inhibition assays. Whole genome sequencing and annotation were conducted to confirm its lytic nature. In vivo efficacy was assessed using a murine wound infection model. PW01 displayed a relatively broad host spectrum and effectively suppressed bacterial growth in vitro. It disrupted established biofilms and showed genomic features consistent with a strictly lytic lifestyle. In mice, treatment with PW01 combined with antibiotics resulted in greater bacterial reduction compared with either treatment alone. These findings demonstrate that PW01 possesses both in vitro and in vivo activity against P. aeruginosa and support the potential of phage-antibiotic combination therapy as an effective strategy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.