Tiny Warriors Against Superbugs: How Phages Can Save The Day

The Sneaky Threat of Enterobacter hormaechei

In hospitals, a sneaky threat lurks: Enterobacter hormaechei.

A Tricky Germ

• Part of the Enterobacter cloacae complex
• Known for causing infections
• Forms a sticky layer called biofilm on catheters
• Biofilm acts like a shield, making it hard for medicines to work

Scientific Discoveries

Scientists studied three strains of E. hormaechei and found:

• Special genes that help make biofilm:
• fimA
• csgA
• csgD

• sdiA

• Biofilm forms faster on some materials:

• Silicon catheters > Latex catheters

• Temperature matters:
• Faster growth at body temperature (37°C)
• Slower growth at room temperature (24°C)

Tiny Helpers: Bacteriophages

• Bacteriophages (phages) can attack the biofilm
• Key: Use them early to stop biofilm growth
• Even if biofilm is already there, phages can help break it down
• Can wipe out a three-day-old biofilm completely (depends on the strain)

Other Helpers

• Silver or copper nanoparticles can also break down biofilm
• Best results come from using phages

Powerful Allies

• Two specific phages, Entb_43 and Entb_45, have special regions in their genes
• These regions help them break down the biofilm

Conclusion

• Biofilm infections are a big problem
• Phages can be powerful allies
• They might just be the secret weapon doctors need