Direct detection methods for monitoring of therapeutic Staphylococcus bacteriophages in clinical samples
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| Year of publication | 2023 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
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| Description | Introduction. For the effective treatment of infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains the most promising alternative is the application of therapeutic Twort-like bacteriophages. Although, the genomic properties of phages are well-studied, new findings are emerging on the pharmacokinetic profiling of phage drugs. The factors relevant for the therapeutic use of phages include: optimal dosing, duration of exposure to phages, absence of genes for toxins and virulence factors, and selection of suitable phages. Objective. Currently, there is lack of methods for monitoring bacteriophages in clinical material. The aim of our study is to develop a technique for detection and quantification of phage particles in different types of clinical material. Methodology. The double-layer agar method was used for stability assay of phage therapeutics in clinical material. Direct detection of virions was performed by qPCR. Results. The lowest stability of therapeutic phages was observed in serum, where after seven days there was a decrease of one order of PFU/ml. Direct detection and quantification by qPCR was optimized with detection limit 102 to 103 PFU/ml in whole blood sample. Conclusions. The detection of bacteriophages in clinical samples is a key factor for the introduction of phage therapy into wider medical practice. The most appropriate technique is the direct quantification of phages by qPCR. |
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