2.6 Bacteriophages
The effectiveness of phage mixtures against APEC infections in chickens was tested using various methods of administration. Phages SPR02 and DAF6 significantly lowered mortality rates when given before or 24-48 hours after the APEC challenge.22 An oral or spray phage cocktail (phi F78E, phi F258E, phi F61E) reduced mortality in both experimental and natural infections. Another intramuscular cocktail (TM1, TM2, TM3, TM4) also decreased mortality, lowered APEC levels in the lungs, and improved body weight. Additionally, phage-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (C-ΦKAZ14 NPs) given orally reduced mortality and intestinal APEC levels while improving health and weight. Overall, these studies show that bacteriophages could be a promising way to control APEC infections in chickens, especially with the C-ΦKAZ14 NP treatment.2,22