Characterization of the novel carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa phage vB_PaeM_GZMU_A1002 and the synergistic antibacterial effect with Allicin

The increasing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics necessitates the exploration of innovative antimicrobial strategies. Phage therapy is a promising solution; however, naturally occurring phages targeting resistant pathogens are still limited. This study aimed to isolate and identify phages capable of lysing carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) from sewage and to investigate the synergistic antimicrobial effects of phage therapy combined with allicin. A novel phage, vB_PaeM_GZMU_A1002, was successfully isolated and characterized, revealing a double-stranded DNA genome of 63,770 bp with no virulence or resistance genes, indicating its safety for application. This phage demonstrated good stability across various temperatures and pH levels, effectively inhibiting CRPA growth within 12 hours and achieving about 50% biofilm eradication rate. Notably, the combination of phage and allicin significantly enhanced antimicrobial efficacy, reducing the effective concentrations of both agents. The synergistic action was likely due to increased damage to bacterial cell membranes and reduced cell surface hydrophobicity. This research highlights the potential of phage therapy, particularly when combined with natural compounds like allicin, as a viable approach to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.