New Bacteriophages Members of the Family Specific for ST258.

Background: Carbapenem-resistant , particularly isolates classified as sequence-type 258 (ST258), are multidrug-resistant strains that are strongly associated with poor-prognosis nosocomial infections, as current therapeutic options are limited and ineffective. In recent years, phage therapy has emerged as a promising treatment option for these scenarios.

Methodology And Results: We report the isolation and characterization of three new phages against ST258 strains recovered from Machángara river wastewater. These new members of the family showed stability over a wide temperature and pH range and burst sizes ranging from 6 to 44 plaque-forming units per bacteria. Their genomes were about 157 kilobases, with an average guanine-cytosine content of 46.4% and showed presence of several transfer RNAs, which also allowed us to predict a lytic replicative cycle due to the presence of endolysins and lysozymes.

Conclusion: Three lytic phages of family were recovered against ST258 strains from sewage; however, further characterization is needed for future consideration as therapeutic alternatives.