Strategically isolated bacteriophages targeting ETEC K88 (F4) alleviate post-weaning diarrhea in piglets via modulation of gut microbiota and inflammatory responses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in piglets, primarily caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 (F4) infection, presents a major challenge in swine production. This study aimed to isolate bacteriophages (phages) specific to ETEC K88, utilizing ETEC K88 as the host strain, and to assess the efficacy of dietary supplementation with the isolated phages in weaned piglets over a two-week period using an ETEC K88 challenge model in a pilot study.

Results

Three ETEC K88-specific phages (EC-P1, EC-P2, and EC-P3) were isolated and identified as tailed phages. These phages displayed a short latency period, broad acid-base stability, and thermal stability, effectively inhibiting ETEC K88 growth and disrupting ETEC K88 biofilms in vitro. Lyophilized phage powder was p

SUBMITTER: Chen Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12812250 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature