Virulent Phage vB_EfaS_WH1 Removes Biofilm and Inhibits Its Growth on the Surface of Chicken Meat.

is a potential animal and human pathogen. Improper use of antibiotics encourages resistance. Bacteriophages and their derivatives are promising for treating drug-resistant bacterial infections. In this study, phylogenetic and electron microscopy analyses of phage vB_EfaS_WH1 (WH1) isolated from chicken feces revealed it to be a novel phage in the family . WH1 showed good pH stability (4-11), temperature tolerance (4-60 °C), and broad host range (60% of isolates). Genome sequencing revealed a 56,357 bp double-stranded DNA genome with a G+C content of 39.21%. WH1 effectively destroyed EF01 biofilms, even at low concentrations. When WH1 was applied at 1 × 10 to 1 × 10 PFU/g to chicken breast samples stored at 4 °C, surface growing were appreciably eradicated after 24 h. The phage WH1 showed good antibacterial activity, which could be used as a potential biocontrol agent to reduce the formation of biofilm, and could also be used as an alternative for the control of in chicken products.