Synergy of lytic phage pB23 and meropenem combination against carbapenem-resistant .

Phage-antibiotic combination treatment is a novel noteworthy drug delivery method in anti-infection. In the current study, we have isolated a new phage, pB23, against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii 2023. Synergistic antibacterial effect between phage pB23 and meropenem combination could be more stable, using moderate doses of phage (multiplicity of infection ranging from 0.1 to 1,000) based on results of antibacterial activity. Phage pB23 and meropenem combination could effectively clear mature biofilms and prevent biofilm formation of carbapenem-resistant . Phage pB23 and meropenem combination also has good synergistic antibacterial effects against carbapenem-resistant in different growth phases under static culture conditions. The pig skin explant model shows that phage pB23 and meropenem combination has a synergistic effect to remove bacteria from wounds . Phage pB23 and meropenem combination also exhibited a synergistic antibacterial effect using a zebrafish infection mode. The potential promotion of phage proliferation by meropenem and the sensitivity recovery of phage-resistant bacteria to meropenem might elucidate the mechanism of the synergistic antimicrobial activity. In summary, our study illustrates that phage pB23 and meropenem combination could produce synergistic antibacterial effects against carbapenem-resistant under static growth conditions. This study also demonstrates that phage-antibiotic combination will become an effective strategy to enhance antibacterial activity of individual drug and provide a new idea of the drug development for the treatment of infections due to carbapenem-resistant and other multidrug-resistant bacteria.