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