Bacteriophages and Salmonella
Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and have been suggested as a potential solution for controlling bacterial infections in humans and animals. Recently, researchers have explored the use of phages as a means of reducing Salmonella infections in poultry, with promising results. In fact, some experts believe that phages could be the new champions in the fight against Salmonella, particularly in the poultry industry where traditional antibiotics may no longer be effective due to the development of antibiotic resistance. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential of phages as a tool for controlling Salmonella infections, but the initial findings are encouraging.
A recent study by AB Agri and the University of Leicester examined the potential of delivering bacteriophage via feed to reduce Salmonella colonization in chickens. Results demonstrated a low dose of phage reduced the Salmonella count to below detection limits – a result that could have a far-reaching impact on poultry production and food hygiene.
Professor of Microbiology at the University of Leicester, Martha R. J. Clokie, said: “This study offered us an opportunity to further explore one of the exciting emerging themes in bacterial virus research. The results highlight phages as a promising tool to target bacterial infections in poultry.”
AB Agri’s Director of Innovation, Nell Masey O’Neill said: “Foodborne diseases, including Salmonellosis in humans, is a significant world health challenge. According to the World Health Organisation, almost 1 in 10 people fall ill and 33 million healthy life years are lost every year. This study shows that phage may be a useful weapon against this challenge, helping our industry produce safer food.”
“Furthermore, our industry has been responsible by taking growth-promoting antibiotics out of poultry diets, but that leaves us with gut health challenges. Phages could offer a potential solution, so we were keen to explore the possibilities with academic partners at the University of Leicester.”
The research abstract “Assessing the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy to reduce Salmonella colonization in broiler chickens” will be shared at the Poultry Science Association meeting by Dr Anisha Thanki from Leicester University’s Department of Genetics and Genome Biology. Bacteriophages have long been held as a potential food safety solution. The so-called “bacteriophage biocontrol” is being increasingly accepted as an innovative, natural, and green food safety strategy to prevent the occurrence of non-desired bacteria in foods.
Bacteriophage Therapy to Reduce Colonization of Campylobacter jejuni in Broiler Chickens before Slaughter
