Large-genome phage vB_Eco_ZCEC15 targets gastrointestinal MDR E. coli: evidence from in vitro and Caco-2 cell models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Bacterial resistance to traditional antibiotics is spreading at an alarming rate, threatening public health and various industrial applications. Phage therapy has emerged as a promising alternative for combating multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. However, most studies have focused on in vitro interactions, often overlooking phage dynamics within human cell environments.

Methodology

In this study, we characterized MDR stool-derived Escherichia coli isolates and assessed their antibiotic resistance profiles. We then isolated, characterized and evaluated the efficacy of bacteriophage vB_Eco_ZCEC15 (ΦZCEC15) against selected strains under optimized culture conditions (pH 7.3) and acidic conditions mimicking the human gastrointestinal tract. To assess host

SUBMITTER: Essam K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12931091 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature