Abstract:
Introduction: Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and human
Uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) share similar genetic relatedness and causing
human and poultry diseases. The two showed great overlap based on their
serophylogenetic groups and virulence genotypes. The ability of APEC to
spread to human, and its capability to act as human UPEC or its potential to
act as reservoir of virulence genes for UPEC has been discerned. Recent
reports showed that APEC were incriminated in human Urinary Tract
Infections (UTI) which is most common bacterial infections causing
significant morbidity and mortality and huge economic burden on the
healthcare system worldwide. Also, Extended Spectrum Beta Lactamase
(ESBL) producing E. coli resistant to third generation cephalosporin has been
isolated from poultry products. These pathogens are a great threat to public
health and food safety. Poultry is believed to be the source of these pathogens
causing diseases in human and avian species.
Objective: To isolate and characterize bacteriophage lytic to susceptible E.
coli strains.
Methodology: Bacteriophage lytic to E. coli strains from chicken was isolated
by simple enrichment, soft agar overlay and incubation at 37ºC for 24 hours.
The identity of the phage was determined by transmission electron microscopy
and partial sequencing of the capsid gene (gp23).
Results: Morphologically the phage possesses icosahedral head and
contractile tail, and detection of gp23 gene revealed the phage as T4 like
coliphage and a member of the family myooviridae.
Discussion: Due to its lytic activity, the isolated bacteriophage may offer
useful application for biocontrolling susceptible E. coli strains.
