Prospección de bacteriófagos líticos de Salmonella en muestras ambientales de las provincias de Tungurahua y Cotopaxi, y su efecto sobre microorganismos patógenos

Abstract

According to the OMS, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents one of the main problems for public health worldwide. The genus Salmonella represents one of the most critical food pathogens, and its high prevalence in the Ecuadorian poultry sector poses a threat to public health. Considering the rising levels of AMR and the lack of new antibiotic molecules, the study of bacteriophages as potential tools against bacterial pathogens is regarded as an interesting alternative, due to their specificity and security. Twenty-six bacteriophages were isolated from water samples from the provinces of Tungurahua and Cotopaxi. The double-layer technique was applied. Subsequently, the lytic profiles of the bacteriophages against pathogenic strains were evaluated. Hierarchical clustering was performed to assess the similarity between lytic patterns. Two clusters were distinguished according to their lytic pattern. The inactivation kinetics of the most representative bacteriophages of each lysis cluster were evaluated. The phages f UTA 02 (S. Infantis), f UTA 19, and f UTA 20 (S. Enteritidis) showed an interesting lytic effect, causing an entire elimination of their host after 48 hours.