LysSAP26, a New Recombinant Phage Endolysin with a Broad Spectrum Antibacterial Activity.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a major threat to public health. Bacteriophage endolysins (lysins) are a promising alternative treatment to traditional antibiotics. However, the lysins currently under development are still underestimated. Herein, we cloned the lysin from the SAP-26 bacteriophage genome. The recombinant LysSAP26 protein inhibited the growth of carbapenem-resistant , , , and , oxacillin-resistant , and vancomycin-resistant with minimum inhibitory concentrations of 5~80 µg/mL. In animal experiments, mice infected with were protected by LysSAP26, with a 40% survival rate. Transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed that LysSAP26 treatment resulted in the destruction of bacterial cell walls. LysSAP26 is a new endolysin that can be applied to treat MDR , , , , , and infections, targeting both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.