Isolation and Characterization of a New T-Even Bacteriophage, CEV1, and Determination of Its Potential To Reduce <i>Escherichia coli</i> O157:H7 Levels in Sheep

Abstract

Bacteriophage CEV1 was isolated from sheep resistant to Escherichia coli O157:H7 colonization. In vitro, CEV1 efficiently infected E. coli O157:H7 grown both aerobically and anaerobically. In vivo, sheep receiving a single oral dose of CEV1 showed a 2-log-unit reduction in intestinal E. coli O157:H7 levels within 2 days compared to levels in the controls.