Desarrollo de terapias basadas en bacteriófagos para el tratamiento de Salmonella typhimurium

Abstract

Bacterial resistance is a public health problem, and therapeutic alternatives are being sought to combat diseases such as salmonellosis caused by Salmonella typhimurium. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the most commonly used phages against this bacterium, analyze their replication mechanisms, and propose methods to evaluate their efficacy in eliminating Salmonella under controlled conditions. A comprehensive literature review was conducted based on recent studies evaluated with different phage strains and phage cocktails. Experimental data from both in vitro and in vivo research were also compiled, allowing comparisons to be made between the effectiveness of treatments, incubation conditions, pH, multiplicity of infection (MOI), and the durability of the bactericidal effect. Four treatments were identified, using phages ST and AZ3, cocktails such as BAFASAL, and synergistic combinations such as phage P22 with EDTA and nisin. These results revealed that several phages demonstrated high efficacy in reducing biofilms and bacterial loads, especially when applied at appropriate doses and under optimal temperature and pH conditions. In general, the use of phage combinations or their integration with other antimicrobial compounds increased activity against Salmonella typhimurium. These findings confirm the potential of bacteriophages as therapeutic and prophylactic agents, offering a safe and specific route against strains resistant to traditional antibiotics.