Development and Characterization of Bacteriophage Cocktails targeting Gram-Negative ESKAPE Pathogens
The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens has significantly limited the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophages offer a promising, highly specific approach for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, we developed and characterized bacteriophage cocktails targeting clinically important Gram- negative ESKAPE pathogens. Lytic bacteriophages with broad host ranges were isolated, genomically characterized to confirm their safety, and combined into host-specific cocktails to maximize bacterial coverage while minimizing the emergence of phage resistance. The cocktails were further evaluated for their antibacterial efficacy, stability and therapeutic potential. These findings demonstrate that rationally designed bacteriophage cocktails represent a promising alternative for the treatment of infections caused by extensively drug- resistant Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens and provide a foundation for the development of phage-based therapeutics.
The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens has significantly limited the effectiveness of conventional antibiotics, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic strategies. Bacteriophages offer a promising, highly specific approach for combating multidrug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, we developed and characterized bacteriophage cocktails targeting clinically important Gram- negative ESKAPE pathogens. Lytic bacteriophages with broad host ranges were isolated, genomically characterized to confirm their safety, and combined into host-specific cocktails to maximize bacterial coverage while minimizing the emergence of phage resistance. The cocktails were further evaluated for their antibacterial efficacy, stability and therapeutic potential. These findings demonstrate that rationally designed bacteriophage cocktails represent a promising alternative for the treatment of infections caused by extensively drug- resistant Gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens and provide a foundation for the development of phage-based therapeutics.