Synergistic effect of bacteriophage with antibiotic in the eradication of vibrio cholerae infection: an in-vivo analysis in mice model

Abstract

Cholera remains a significant global health threat, especially in regions like Bangladesh with annual outbreaks. The causative agent, Vibrio cholerae, thrives in aquatic environments and forms biofilms, complicating treatment. While antibiotics are effective, their unregulated use has led to rapid resistance, raising concerns of a potential pandemic. Bacteriophages present a promising alternative, yet phage resistance has also emerged. This study explores the synergistic effect of combining reduced doses of antibiotics with a bacteriophage cocktail to treat cholera. Ampicillin was tested at 500 μg/kg and 50 μg/kg, yielding 50% and 0% survival in infected mice, respectively, compared to 100% survival at the standard 50 mg/kg dose. When combined with a cocktail of two bacteriophages (109 PFU/ml each), survival rates improved to 88% and 75%, respectively. These results highlight the potential of combined therapy to reduce both antibiotic and bacteriophage resistance, offering a more effective treatment strategy.