Isolation and screening of bacteriophage strains with high lytic activity and specificity against Escherichia coli O78:H9 causing disease in chickens and ducks in Hai Phong, Vietnam, as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry farming
Description: This study isolates and characterizes bacteriophage PE1 to control multidrug-resistant E. coli O78:H9 causing poultry disease in Hai Phong. Exhibiting strong lytic activity, high specificity, and thermal/pH stability , PE1 represents a promising biological alternative to antibiotics for sustainable farming.
This study focuses on the isolation and biological characterization of bacteriophage PE1, which exhibits high lytic activity and host specificity against the multidrug-resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli O78:H9 (HPVN24) strain—a primary pathogen causing colibacillosis and septicemia in poultry in Hai Phong, Vietnam. From 20 poultry farm wastewater samples, PE1 was successfully isolated, achieving a viral titer of 1.3 × 10⁹ PFU/mL. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed a Podoviridae-like morphology characterized by an icosahedral head (55.51 ± 0.59 nm) and a short, non-contractile tail. PE1 demonstrated potent bactericidal efficacy, reducing bacterial density by up to 3.11 log₁₀ CFU/mL within 3 hours. Host range analysis confirmed its high specificity, lysing 3 of 5 additional E. coli strains tested without affecting non-target species or beneficial microbiota. Furthermore, PE1 exhibited remarkable environmental stability at temperatures ranging from -20°C to 50°C and across pH levels from 5 to 12. In conclusion, bacteriophage PE1 serves as a highly viable candidate for phage therapy to replace conventional antibiotics in poultry farming. This biocontrol strategy effectively combats MDR bacterial infections, reduces chemical residue risks, protects public health, and supports sustainable agricultural practices.
Organisation: Vinschool Vietnam
Innovator(s): Do Tran Doanh An, Do Khanh Linh, Vu Hien Minh, Vu Ngoc Minh, Nguyen Duc Phat
Category: Agriculture and Aquaculture
Country: Vietnam