Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages from wastewater sources on Enterococcus spp. isolated from clinical samples

Yara Elahi; Jamileh Nowroozi; Ramin Mazaheri  Nezhad Fard

doi:10.18502/ijm.v13i5.7434

Yara Elahi Department of Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
Jamileh Nowroozi Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Islamic Azad University Tehran North Branch, Tehran, Iran
Ramin Mazaheri Nezhad Fard

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijm.v13i5.7434

Keywords: Enterococcus; Bacteriophages; Antibiotics; Wastewaters

Abstract

Background and Objectives: In recent decades, enterococcal resistance to antimicrobials has greatly increased. Further- more, these chemicals include several side effects on the patients. Since no reports are available of the bacteriophages' effects on eukaryotic cells, they can be good solutions for multidrug-resistant bacterial problems. Therefore, the major aim of this study was to isolate bacteriophages from wastewaters on clinical antibiotic-resistant enterococci.

Materials and Methods: Clinical bacteria were isolated, then enterococcal isolates were identified using different methods. The antibiotic resistance scheme of the enterococcal isolates was assessed. The bacterial isolates were exposed to wastewa- ter samples containing potential bacteriophages. Technically, isolated bacteriophages were studied by electron microscopy.

Results: Isolated bacteria were verified as Enterococcus faecium. Results showed that bacteriophages could easily be isolat- ed from wastewater sources. The isolated bacteriophages were effective on E. faecium as well as Streptococcus dysgalactiae. Furthermore, these bacteriophages were challenged with five other bacteria (ATCC) with no visible effects. In general, the isolated bacteriophages belonged to the Myoviridae, Siphoviridae, and Inoviridae families.

Conclusion: Further studies on bacteriophages and their efficacy on enterococcal strains could increase the treatment possi- bility of enterococcal infections. Due to these bacteriophages' effects on Streptococcus strains, bacteriophages may be used to treat streptococcal infections as well.