Phage Hunters Training and Research Program

𝗣𝗛𝗧𝗥𝗣 — 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗽 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱 Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global crisis, projected to cause 10 million deaths annually by 2050. The urgent need for innovative solutions to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria has never been clearer. In response to this critical challenge, the Phage Hunters Training and Research Program (PHTRP) is dedicated to inspiring and equipping the next generation of scientists in Africa and other developing countries to advance phage research.   𝗠𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: We aim to empower young scientists, particularly undergraduates, by providing mentorship and guidance to overcome barriers in pursuing research careers. This initiative not only addresses the critical shortage of researchers focusing on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) but also encourages the development of innovative therapeutics, such as bacteriophages, to combat this pressing issue.   𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: We offer a comprehensive research and training initiative designed to nurture young scientists and foster scientific entrepreneurship. Through hands-on training, mentorship, and support, we are cultivating a new generation of phage researchers equipped to discover solutions for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and translate their innovations into impactful commercial ventures.   𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗨𝘀: The funds raised will be instrumental in covering the start-up registration costs for the Program. This includes critical legal fees, administrative expenses, and initial operational costs essential for our official launch. Your generous support will help us achieve our goal and make a profound impact in phage research. By investing in our program, you’re helping us inspire and equip young scientists to tackle antibiotic resistance and drive forward groundbreaking solutions in global health.   𝗗𝗼𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗸: https://shorturl.at/SNrqn World Anti-Microbial Resistance Congress Tobi Nagel Africa CDC Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) World Health Organization ReAct - Action on Antibiotic Resistance Students Against Superbugs Africa AMR Now Global Leaders Group on AMR Global AMR R&D Hub The AMR Narrative AMR Initiative Rwanda Ethiopia AMR Initiative Targeting Phage Therapy Phage Kenya Consortium Phage Directory Centers for Disease Control and Prevention USAID - Center for Innovation and Impact (CII) Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH) George Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) KEMRI - Wellcome Trust Phages IPR Phage Asia Phage Therapeutics PhageLab Kenya Institute of Primate Research United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) AMR Conference International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) Martha Clokie Spyridon Megremis Steffanie Strathdee Wellcome Trust The Trinity Challenge World Anti-Microbial Resistance Congress #AntimicrobialResistance #PhageResearch #PhageTherapy #SupportUs

𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗿𝗰𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 (𝗥𝗔𝗦) Aquaculture production has increased significantly, leading to an interest in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) which recycle water to enhance efficiency. Managing diseases within these systems, however, remains a challenge, especially because of antibiotic use and the associated rise in antibiotic resistance. This brings phage therapy as a viable alternative for treating bacterial infections in aquaculture because it can target pathogens without harming surrounding microbiota. This research done by Almeida et al. in 2019  focused on the survival and distribution of 𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘶𝘮𝘯𝘢𝘳𝘦-infecting phage FCL-2 within a RAS during a controlled experiment with rainbow trout (𝘖𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘩𝘺𝘯𝘤𝘩𝘶𝘴 𝘮𝘺𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴). 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 —Phage FCL-2 was introduced into six RAS at the Laukaa fish farm in Finland. —Before phage treatment, baseline samples of water, fish mucus, and gills were collected to confirm the absence of pre-existing pathogens. —In the treatment phase, water flow in three tanks was temporarily stopped, and 470 mL of the phage lysate was added. Control tanks received sterile media. —Following treatment, water flow was resumed, and samples were taken periodically to assess phage presence. —Phage concentrations were quantified using the double-agar overlay technique, while water quality parameters were continuously monitored. —Statistical analyses, including unpaired t-tests, were performed to compare phage presence and water quality between treatment and control groups, allowing for a thorough evaluation of phage dynamics in the RAS setting. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 —Phage FCL-2 persisted for up to 21 days post-application, indicating effective distribution throughout the RAS. —The concentration of phages was highest in plastic carrier media that housed biofilms, suggesting biofilms play a key role in phage retention. —No adverse effects were noted on water quality parameters, fish health, or mortality, demonstrating phage therapy's safety in aquaculture settings. 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 The study suggests that phage therapy can be effectively utilized in RAS to control bacterial pathogens, thereby maintaining biosecurity without the adverse environmental impacts associated with antibiotics. Summarized by Cateline Ouma. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Almeida, G. M., Mäkelä, K., Laanto, E., Pulkkinen, J., Vielma, J., & Sundberg, L. R. (2019). The fate of bacteriophages in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS)—towards developing phage therapy for RAS. Antibiotics, 8(4), 192. #AntimicrobialResistance #PhageTherapy #AntibioticResistance #PhageResearch #OneHealth

𝙑𝙞𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙤-𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀: 𝗔 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 In the ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, researchers are exploring innovative solutions to control pathogenic microorganisms, particularly in the food and aquaculture industries. A review published in Food Science and Biotechnology highlights the promising potential of 𝘝𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘰-infecting bacteriophages as a powerful tool for the control of this human and fish pathogen. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲-𝗕𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗹 𝘝𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘰 species, known for their ability to form resilient biofilms under stressful conditions, pose significant challenges in food production and aquaculture settings. These biofilms act as protective shields, making traditional antibiotics less effective and increasing the risk of contamination. The review explores how lytic bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria, offer a natural and efficient alternative to conventional antimicrobial approaches. One of the key advantages of bacteriophages is their lower probability of developing resistance compared to antibiotics. This is particularly crucial in an era where antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. Moreover, these phages have demonstrated the ability to infect dormant cells within biofilms, a feat that many antibiotics struggle to achieve. Their specificity in targeting pathogenic bacteria also minimizes the risk of disrupting beneficial microbial communities. 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗰𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 The potential applications of 𝘝𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘰-infecting bacteriophages in the food and aquaculture industries are significant. They offer promising solutions for enhancing food safety by controlling 𝘝𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘰 contamination, improving aquaculture health management, and reducing reliance on antibiotics in seafood production. This aligns with the growing consumer demand for safer, more sustainably produced food products. Looking to the future, the review points to exciting research directions in this field. These include developing phage cocktails for broader spectrum control, exploring phage-derived enzymes for biofilm degradation, and investigating potential synergistic effects with other antimicrobial agents. Such advancements could lead to more comprehensive and effective strategies for 𝘝𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘰 control. Summarized by Roberto Monllor Guerra. 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 Cevallos-Urena, A., Kim, J. Y., & Kim, B. S. (2023). Vibrio-infecting bacteriophages and their potential to control biofilm. 𝘍𝘰𝘰𝘥 𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘩𝘯𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, 32(12), 1719–1727. https://lnkd.in/dWe8Rbjf #AntimicrobialResistance #PhageTherapy #PanelDiscussion #PhageResearch #OneHealth

#IWillBeAttending We're really looking forward to this discussion next week. Have y'all registered? #PhageHunters2TheWorld

Join us for an exclusive panel discussion with patients who have survived superbug infections through the power of phage therapy. Hear their personal stories, the challenges they faced, and how phages gave them a second chance at life. This event will not only be beneficial to phage researchers and scientists but also to the general public and more importantly to those patients suffering from a chronic, recurrent or antibiotic-resistant infection. Featuring panelists include Pranav Johri, Founder of Vitalis Phage Therapy, India and Christopher Shaffer, who underwent phage therapy treatment at Eliava Phage Therapy Center in Tblisi Georgia. World Health Organization (WHO) World Anti-Microbial Resistance Congress WHO Regional Office for Europe George Eliava Institute of Bacteriophages, Microbiology and Virology ReAct - Action on Antibiotic Resistance Students Against Superbugs Africa Targeting Phage Therapy Phage Asia Phage Kenya Consortium Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics (IPATH) AMR Action Fund Henry Skinner Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative - DNDi #AntimicrobialResistance #PhageTherapy #PanelDiscussion #PhageResearch #OneHealth #PatientStories

Join us in our fifth—and last—panel discussion on "𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 (𝙇𝙈𝙄𝘾𝙨)" as part of our 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗔𝗠𝗥) and 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 series. This event will bring together experts in phage research to explore the existing opportunities and pathways in this burgeoning field. This event will be beneficial not only to early-career scientists but also to late-career scientists. Featuring panelists include Dr. Angela Makumi from International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Dr. Janet Nale from SRUC. #AntimicrobialResistance #PhageTherapy #PanelDiscussion #PhageResearch #OneHealth

𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria in animals is a major challenge to global animal food production. AMR causes an economic healthcare burden of approximately $4 to 5 billion annually. Additionally, AMR pathogens result in financial losses in the food animal production industry due to treatment failures in livestock. Furthermore, novel strains of resistant bacteria continue to emerge and disseminate. The positive outcome is the current breakthrough following the application of phages to affect the bio-control of pathogenic bacteria. Phages have been used successfully to reduce food-borne pathogen infection and contamination of poultry before their dispatch to processing plants. Reducing microbial contamination during poultry production is vital because many of the resulting food-borne diseases are linked to poultry products. 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗙𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 1. Phage specificity ensures their capacity to destroy only the targeted bacteria without disturbing the microbiota. 2. Phages are effective alternatives to antimicrobials mitigating contamination of the food chain with food-borne pathogens. 3. The low inherent toxicity of phages makes them a safe and sustainable technology for the control of poultry diseases. 4. Phages are ubiquitous and the most abundant organisms in the biosphere. 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗣𝗼𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗿𝘆 1. Biotector S1® — used as an additive in feed to prevent 𝘚. 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 subspecies 2. SalmoFREE® — used in drinking water to prevent 𝘚. 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 subspecies 3. Bafasal® — given by water to prevent 𝘚. 𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘢 subspecies 4. United Arab Emirates MI-01 — effective against 𝘌. 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪 O157: H7 5. Phage GN06 — has significant inhibition of avian pathogenic 𝘌. 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗢𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 —Currently no commercially available phage products against 𝘊𝘢𝘮𝘱𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘦𝘳 spp. —No phage formulations intended to both prevent and treat infections brought on by 𝘚. 𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘶𝘴 in poultry Summarized by LINET LUSIMBA. Abd-El Wahab, A., Basiouni, S., El-Seedi, H. R., Ahmed, M. F., Bielke, L. R., Hargis, B., ... & Visscher, C. (2023). An overview of the use of bacteriophages in the poultry industry: Successes, challenges, and possibilities for overcoming breakdowns. 𝘍𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘪𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘪𝘰𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘺, 14, 1136638. https://lnkd.in/dNdD6iAK

Join us in our fifth—and last—panel discussion on "𝘽𝙪𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙣 𝙋𝙝𝙖𝙜𝙚 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙞𝙣 𝙇𝙤𝙬 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙈𝙞𝙙𝙙𝙡𝙚 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 (𝙇𝙈𝙄𝘾𝙨)" as part of our 𝗔𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝗰𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 (𝗔𝗠𝗥) and 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 series. This event will bring together experts in phage research to explore the existing opportunities and pathways in this burgeoning field. This event will be beneficial not only to early-career scientists but also to late-career scientists. Featuring panelists include Dr. Angela Makumi from International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and Dr. Janet Nale from SRUC. #AntimicrobialResistance #PhageTherapy #PanelDiscussion #PhageResearch #OneHealth

🎉 𝐖𝐞’𝐯𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐭 2,000 𝐅𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐬! 🎉 Thank you to everyone for being part of the 𝐏𝐡𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 (𝐏𝐇𝐓𝐑𝐏) community! Your support and engagement inspire us to keep pushing boundaries in bacteriophage research. Together, we are building a global community dedicated to advancing phage therapy, education, and collaboration. Your contribution is invaluable! Stay tuned for more exciting updates, panel discussions, and insights as we continue our journey. Here’s to the next milestone! 💙 #PhageHunters2theWorld #thankyou

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀 The escalating threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has necessitated the exploration of alternative strategies to combat infections. Bacteriophages or phages are viruses that specifically target bacteria, making them ideal for treating bacterial infections without the risk of collateral damage to the host. Unlike antibiotics, which can disrupt the entire microbiome, phages offer a more targeted approach, reducing the likelihood of adverse side effects. Bacteriophages, or phages, offer a promising solution due to their specificity and ability to replicate within bacterial cells. This paper reviews the potential of phage therapy for treating bacterial diseases in both livestock and companion animals. 𝗣𝗵𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗽𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗰𝗸 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗹𝘀 Phage therapy has shown significant promise in treating bacterial infections in livestock. Studies have demonstrated its effectiveness against various pathogens, including 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘱𝘩𝘺𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘤𝘶𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘶𝘴, 𝘌𝘴𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘪, and 𝘚𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘢 species. Phages have been used to treat mastitis in cattle, diarrhea in calves, and 𝘴𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘴𝘪𝘴 in swine. While research on phage therapy in companion animals is still relatively limited, promising results have been observed. Phages have been investigated for the treatment of urinary tract infections, skin infections, and otitis media (OM) in dogs and cats. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 Phage therapy presents a promising alternative to antibiotics for combating bacterial infections in both livestock and companion animals. Its specificity, self-replication, and potential to reduce antibiotic resistance make it a valuable tool in addressing the global health crisis posed by antimicrobial resistance. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and limitations of phage therapy and to develop standardized protocols for its application in veterinary medicine. Summarized by Samuel Ndegwa. 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 Choi, Y., Lee, W., Kwon, J., Kang, A., Kwak, M., Eor, J., & Kim, Y. (2024). The current state of phage therapy in livestock and companion animals. Journal of Animal Science and Technology, 66(1), 57-78. https://lnkd.in/dtW59u2c #AntimicrobialResistance #PhageTherapy #AntibioticResistance #PhageResearch #OneHealth