Bacteriophages and Lysins in Biofilm Control

To formulate the optimal strategy of combatting bacterial biofilms,in this review we update current knowledge on the growing problem of biofilm formation and its resistance to antibiotics which has spurred the search for new strategies to deal with this complication.Based on recent findings,the role of bacteriophages in the prevention and elimination of biofilm-related infections has been emphasized.In vitro,ex vivo and in vivo biofilm treatment models with single bacteriophages or phage cocktails have been compared.A combined use of bacteriophages with antibiotics in vitro or in vivo confirms earlier reports of the synergistic effect of these agents in improving biofilm removal.Furthermore,studies on the application of phage-derived lysins in vitro,ex vivo or in vivo against biofilm-related infections are encouraging.The strategy of combined use of phage and antibiotics seems to be different from using lysins and antibiotics.These findings suggest that phages and lysins alone or in combination with antibiotics may be an efficient weapon against biofilm formation in vivo and ex vivo,which could be useful in formulating novel strategies to combat bacterial infections.Those findings proved to be relevant in the prevention and destruction of biofilms occurring during urinary tract infections,orthopedic implant-related infections,periodontal and peri-implant infections.In conclusion,it appears that most efficient strategy of eliminating biofilms involves phages or lysins in combination with antibiotics,but the optimal scheme of their administration requires further studies.

Specific and Selective Bacteriophages in the Fight against Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Acinetobacter baumannii causes serious infections especially in immunocompromised and/or hospitalized patients.Several A.baumannii strains are multidrug resistant and infect wounds,bones,and the respiratory tract.Current studies are focused on finding new effective agents against A.baumannii.Phage therapy is a promising means to fight this bacterium and many studies on procuring and applying new phages against A.baumannii are currently being conducted.As shown in animal models,phages against multidrug-resistant A.baumannii may control bacterial infections caused by this pathogen and may be a real hope to solve this dangerous health problem.