Therapeutic Potential of Bacteriophage in Treating methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus au reus Bacteremia in Mice
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Date
2013-12-24
Authors
Ochieng, O. J. M.
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Abstract
Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRS) causes infections in human
especially in immunocompromised patients (serious burnt victims or after major
surgery). About 80% of nosocomial infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureus
strains. The emergence of antibiotic- resistant bacterial strains has necessitated the
exploration of alternative antibacterial therapies. This studies aims at evaluating the
ability of bacterial viruses (bacteriophage or phages) to treat mice challenged with
MRSA. Phages specific for Staphylococcus aureus will be isolated from sewage
water, sampled from Dandora sewage treatment plant in Nairobi City. Thereafter, they
will be cultured and their therapeutic potential evaluated in an experimental model of
staphylococcal induced bacteremia in mice. Mice shall be challenged by intravenous
(I.V) inoculation with bacteria (108 CPU/ml). A single I.V injection of live phage (108
PPU/ml) shall be administered to one group of five mice, while another will receive
antibiotics (clindamycin at Smg/kg body weight) and another physiological saline.
These groups shall be compared with a control group that will be inoculated with
physiological saline. The mice will then, be observed for 72 hours while collecting
data on survival rates. Also, they shall be bled after every 24 hours to determine
bacteria titer in their blood. The titer shall be used to evaluate decrease or increase of
bacteria c.P.U and phage P.P.U number in the animal body. The mice organs shall be
evaluated histopathologicaly for bacterial and phage damage. The data will be fed into
MS office Excel 2007 software for analysis using parametric tests (one way ANOV A
and Tukey's post hoc test). This work is geared towards production of cheap and
efficient alternative antibiotic agents against drug resistant bacteria in livestock and .
human with an aim of improving human health.