Potential applicability of bacteriophages on endotracheal tubes: antibacterial and antibiofilm activities

Abstract

Biofilms are complex microbial communities attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces, which are embedded in a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. Furthermore, they are etiological agents of several human infectious diseases, mainly to those Health Care Infections-related (IRAS). Medical devices, such as endotracheal tubes, have adequate conditions for biofilm formation and, consequently, the emergence of infections. The impact of biofilms on health has promoted the development of different approaches aimed at controlling this contamination source. Successful results in phage therapy drive new research by using bacteriophages in biofilms control. Thus, as in many other fields of health, phagotherapy offers new ways for research in medical devices. The present project intends to isolate bacteriophages from a collection of clinical bacterial strains originating from endotracheal tube biofilms, as well as the evaluation of antibacterial and antibiofilm activities. The methodology step will involve, firstly, the isolation, propagation and purification of bacteriophages. Next, further characterization will be done looking especially for their genomic and protein profile. Finally, isolated bacteriophages will be used to control planktonic cells and in vitro biofilm growth. Besides, the response of human neutrophils in the presence of isolated bacteriophage will be evaluated. (AU)