Proteon Pharmaceuticals at the International Symposium on Salmonella and Salmonellosis

On the 20th-22nd of June, our Team participated in The International Symposium, Salmonella and Salmonellosis (I3S).

This initiative created by scientists from ANSES, is organized since 1992. Since the first edition, the I3S has been a great success and many scientists from all over the world still participate in this symposium which is now in its eighth edition. The attendees are from academic, governmental and industrial areas, all interested in Salmonella issues related to animals, plants, environment and human health. Topics of the different sessions are set up to cover those different issues and to promote scientific discussions. More than 200 people from all over the world (more than 20 countries represented in 2018), attended the I3S in Saint-Malo.

Proteon Pharmeceuticals Team presented two posters covering below subjects:

      

 

Our research is focused on the development and implementation of efficient and affordable methods for the eradication of Salmonella from feed with the use of bacteriophage preparations. Bacteriophages, are naturally-occurring valuable antimicrobials with high specificity towards their host bacteria without harming natural microflora of treated organism and no adverse side-effects. As obligate predators of bacteria, they are designed to kill which makes bacteriophages a perfect additive to feed, eg. in the PPLA processes.

This concept was proved by in vitro experiments: simulation silos and chicken crop simulation with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis used as a model pathogen. The bacterial load used reflected typical environmental level. Several methods for bacteriophage implementation were compared: immersion, spraying and mixing with phage-powder. All tests resulted in a significant reduction of Salmonella Enteritidis contamination in feed protected by bacteriophages when compared to unprotected feed. Simultaneously, the stability of bacteriophages in feed was confirmed.

In conclusion, we have developed an effective shield against Salmonella contamination in feed by tipping the balance into the favor of bacteriophages.

Authors: Elzbieta Górecka, Jaroslaw Dastych, Justyna Kowalska, Katarzyna Grochala, Magdalena Rzepkowska, Marcela Laszkiewicz, Monika Sakosik, Monika Terenowicz, Wojciech Kropiwnicki.

      

Phages are the most abundant organisms on the planet. They are organic, natural, and omnipresent in the environment. As a critical part of the global microbiome, phages naturally protect animals and humans from bacteria. A controlled delivery of phages, promises to reduce antibiotic usage, to overcome the growing threat of antibiotic resistant bacteria, as well as to increase sustainability in agriculture and to improve human health.

Proteon Pharmaceuticals developed phage product called BAFASAL®, which is a feed additive for use in industrial food production to protect poultry against Salmonella. In this study in vitro evaluation of phage-antibiotic combinations was subjected to test the synergism between antibiotics and BAFASAL® on three strains of S. enterica. Antibiotics were selected from different antibiotic groups, based on their frequency of use in the poultry industry.

As the result it was determined that BAFASAL® alone performs with very good efficacy in inhibition of bacterial proliferation, while antibiotics alone are less effective in inhibition of bacterial proliferation. BAFASAL® and the antibiotic in co-treatment completely inhibit the proliferation of bacteria in vast majority of tested combinations, showing synergistic effect.

The study thus concludes, that the use of phage cocktail and phage-antibiotic combinations could prove beneficial in the era of rapidly increasing drug-resistant strains.

Authors: Emilia Dubel, Jan Klajnert, Jaroslaw Dastych, Justyna Matczak, Magdalena Walczak, Michal Psujek.