In Vitro Anti-Biofilm Activity of Bacteriophage K (ATCC 19685-B1) and Daptomycin against Staphylococci

• Main Authors: Maria Plota, Eleni Sazakli, Nikolaos Giormezis, Foteini Gkartziou, Fevronia Kolonitsiou, Michalis Leotsinidis, Sophia G. Antimisiaris, Iris Spiliopoulou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Microorganisms
• Subjects: staphylococci; biofilm; prevention; phage K; daptomycin
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/9/9/1853

The purpose of the present study was to investigate anti-staphylococcal activity of daptomycin and bacteriophage K, alone or in combination, against biofilm-producers and non-producers <i>S. aureus</i> and <i>S. epidermidis</i> strains, under biofilm forming and cells’ proliferation conditions. Daptomycin and bacteriophage K (ATCC 19685B1), in different concentrations, were tested against 10 <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> and 10 <i>S. epidermidis</i>, characterized by phenotypes and genotypes. The quantitative microtiter plate (crystal violet, CV), methylthiazoltetrazolium (MTT), and growth curve (GC) assays were performed. No statistically significant difference was found between species, whereas daptomycin alone performed better using medium and high concentrations of the drug and bacteriophage K was more active against strains with higher susceptibility, by CV and MTT assays. Best results were achieved using both agents combined in high concentrations. Bacteriophage K was effective within 3.8 and 2.4 h, depending on the concentration used, by the GC assay. Combination of daptomycin with bacteriophage K was more effective against staphylococci, depending on the concentrations used and strains’ susceptibility. Further studies are needed to evaluate if this approach might be a choice for prevention or therapy of biofilm-associated infections.