Isolation and Bioactivity of Phage Isolated against Enterococcus feacalis in Bacterial Vaginosis Microflora from Patients of Twin Cities

Abstract

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) is one of the most frequently reported diseases in females. The poly microbial infection occurs as a result of an imbalance in the healthy vaginal microbiome. Worldwide, the bacterial vaginosis prevails in about 21.2 million (29.2%) and the range lies within 8% to 75% in case of third world countries. Though the disease is not fatal, it may lead to serious health complications. BV facilitates the onset of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and also plays a crucial role in the delayed prognosis of cervical cancer. Currently, the ailment is being treated worldwide by the use of antibiotics, Metronidazole being the most commonly used among them. However, with the growing concern of antibiotics resistance, the quest for alternative treatment options continues. The present study therefore investigates bacteriophages against BV as an alternative therapeutic option to antibiotics. Bacteriophages are not only safer to use but also address the issue of resistance. Bacterial resistance reported against bacteriophages is very less as compared to antibiotics. The study comprises of the isolation of different bacterial isolates from the BV positive female patients of the twin cities. 50 samples were collected in collaboration with Kahota Research Laboratories (KRL), Islamabad. HVS swabs of the patients were taken and were quadrant streaked on different media for the isolation of BV causing bacteria.