Lytic activity, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities and genomic characterisation of two bacteriophages active against respiratory MRSA.

Aims: This study aimed to characterise bacteriophages for potential therapeutic use against Staphylococcus aureus, focusing on clinical respiratory isolates of methicillin-sensitive (MSSA) and methicillin-resistant (MRSA) strains. Specifically, it sought to evaluate phage lytic activity, host range, stability, biofilm disruption capabilities, and overall safety for therapeutic use.

Methods and results: Novel phages, Koomba kaat 1 and Biyabeda mokiny 1, were identified and characterised using microbiological assays and bioinformatics. They exhibited lytic activity against clinical MSSA and MRSA isolates, disrupted biofilms from airway isolates, remained stable for at least one year in storage, and could be aerosolized without significant reductions in activity. Bioinformatic tools were used to assess safety, lifecycle, virulence, and prophage contamination when grown using their original isolation host. Receptor binding proteins within their genomes were also predicted, providing insight into their mechanisms of action. Both phages demonstrated strong efficacy against the clinical isolates tested and demonstrated robust stability under storage and delivery conditions.

Conclusions: Koomba kaat 1 and Biyabeda mokiny 1 are promising candidates for phage therapy. Their efficacy against clinical S. aureus isolates, ability to break down biofilm, and stability for airway implementation, positions them as valuable tools for addressing persistent airway infections caused by S. aureus.