Abstract:

Objective · To identify broad-spectrum bacteriophages against extensively drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia and analyze their characteristics by biological and genomic methods. Methods · Multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumonia strains collected from a hospital were used as host bacteria to isolate and purify broad-spectrum phages in the wastewater at the same hospital area. The size and shape of phages were observed by transmission electron microscope. Titer, host range, pH stability and thermal stability were measured. Moreover, the DNA extracted from the phage SH-Kp152234 was sequenced and analyzed. Results · One strain of bacteriophage against Klebsiella pneumonia was isolated and named as SH-Kp152234. The electron microscope revealed it belongs to Podoviridae family. Moreover, genome of SH-Kp152234 showed to be a linear double-stranded DNA of 40 578 bp with the GC content of 52.85%. It was predicted to have 49 open reading frames with related known functions. Conclusion · SH-Kp152234, with a broad host range and a short latent period, which could exert its activity in a wide range of temperature and pH, is a promising candidate to be exploited in the treatment of multiple drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia.

Key words: Klebsiella pneumonia, bacteriophage, biological characteristics, genomics