Comparative genomics and cefepime synergy of a lytic Vectrevirus phage Eco-MTCMU-01, targeting extended spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli
A Thai team isolated lytic phage Eco-MTCMU-01 from wastewater and assigned it to Vectrevirus. Its genome contained no identifiable lysogeny, resistance, virulence or anti-CRISPR genes. Phage alone did not eradicate bacteria by 24 hours, but with cefepime it produced FICI 0.25 and reduced MIC/MBC from 32-64 to below 8 micrograms/mL in a representative ESBL E. coli isolate. This is in-vitro synergy, not a ready therapy.
Thai researchersKrit Thirapanmethee · Made Rai Dwitya Wiradiputra · Thanyarak Pholthong · Nichapatr Vetboocha · Mullika Traidej Chomnawang