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oai:figshare.com:article/32641020 2026-10-01T16:26:23Z portal_1172 item_type_8 month_year_10_2026

Investigation of phage therapy approaches as attractive alternative to antibiotics for bio-control of genitourinary infections Akash Shambharkar (24169740) PUREID: 637884765 Bacteriophage phage therapy proteus mirabilis UTIs CAUTIs biofilm cold atmospheric Plasma plasma activated water phage immobilisation phage lytic enzymes endolysin Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections worldwide, affecting 150–250 million people annually, with catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) posing significant healthcare challenges due to persistent and recurrent infections. The use of urinary catheters enhances bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation. Proteus mirabilis is a key pathogen in CAUTIs, exhibiting virulence factors such as biofilm formation, swarming motility, and urease production, leading to catheter encrustation and treatment challenges, especially with resistant strains. Bacteriophages offer promising alternatives to antibiotics. Although phage therapy was historically neglected following the discovery of antibiotics, it is now regaining global interest. Phages are highly specific, self-replicating, and capable of disrupting biofilms. Several case studies have demonstrated phage effectiveness against UTIs. To explore alternative treatments for P. mirabilis-caused CAUTIs, environmental samples from Northern Ireland were collected, leading to the isolation of phage AS1 from composted cow dung. Phage AS1 exhibited lytic activity, robust stability across pH, temperature, and chloroform exposure, rapid host adsorption, a good burst size, and a narrow host range. Genomic analysis identified no lysogeny-associated genes and confirmed lytic gene cassettes. Phage AS1 significantly reduced P. mirabilis biofilm load and biomass. Additionally, cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) treatment was used to prepare a phage-immobilised antibacterial silicone surface. CAP-modified silicone enhanced phage attachment by altering surface properties. Immobilised phages remained active and prevented P. mirabilis migration across catheter segments. Plasma-activated water (PAW) produced by Spark and Glow discharge was characterised. Spark 30 PAW showed superior antibacterial activity and, combined with phage, achieved a 4-log reduction in bacterial load and 97% biofilm biomass reduction, even in artificial urine. Finally, novel Proteus phage endolysins LysPM1 and LysPM2 were identified, showing stability and strong antibacterial activity with outer membrane permeabilisers. Overall, this thesis supports phage-based strategies for preventing and treating Proteus-associated CAUTIs.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargoed until 31 July 2028.</i> 2026-10-01T16:26:23Z Text Thesis 10.17034/32641020.v1 https://figshare.com/articles/thesis/Investigation_of_phage_therapy_approaches_as_attractive_alternative_to_antibiotics_for_bio-control_of_genitourinary_infections/32641020 All Rights Reserved Open Access after 2028-07-31