Characterization and Anti-Biofilm Activity of Lytic Enterococcus Phage vB_Efs8_KEN04 against Clinical Isolates of Multidrug-Resistant Enterococcus faecalis in Kenya

Abstract

<i>Enterococcus faecalis</i> (<i>E. faecalis</i>) is a growing cause of nosocomial and antibiotic-resistant infections. Treating drug-resistant <i>E. faecalis</i> requires novel approaches. The use of bacteriophages (phages) against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria has recently garnered global attention. Biofilms play a vital role in <i>E. faecalis</i> pathogenesis as they enhance antibiotic resistance. Phages eliminate biofilms by producing lytic enzymes, including depolymerases. In this study, Enterococcus phage vB_Efs8_KEN04, isolated from a sewage treatment plant in Nairobi, Kenya, was tested against clinical strains of MDR <i>E. faecalis</i>. This phage had a broad host range against 100% (26/26) of MDR <i>E. faecalis</i> clinical isolates and cross-species activity against <i>Enterococcus faecium</i>. It was able to withstand acidic and alkaline conditions, from pH 3 to 11, as well as temperatures between -80 °C and 37 °C. It could inhibit and disrupt the biofilms of MDR <i>E. faecalis</i>. Its linear double-stranded DNA genome of 142,402 bp contains 238 coding sequences with a G + C content and coding gene density of 36.01% and 91.46%, respectively. Genomic analyses showed that phage vB_Efs8_KEN04 belongs to the genus <i>Kochikohdavirus</i> in the family <i>Herelleviridae.</i> It lacked antimicrobial resistance, virulence, and lysogeny genes, and its stability, broad host range, and cross-species lysis indicate strong potential for the treatment of Enterococcus infections.