Characterization and Therapeutic Potential of vB-EcoM-Eg05 Phage Against Clinical Escherichia coli Strains

Background: Antimicrobial resistance poses a global health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli is one of the most common pathogens causing hospital-acquired infections and death. The Phages for Global Health initiative promotes the capacity to develop bacteriophages as a promising therapeutic alternative targeting clinically relevant pathogens as a solution for antibiotic-resistant infections. Methods and Results: Sewage from Al-Azhar Hospital was used to isolate a novel lytic E. coli phage, vB-EcoM-Eg05. Transmission electron microscopy identified vB-EcoM-Eg05 as a myovirus. The phage showed high stability up to 60°C and a broad pH range (3–11). Whole-genome sequencing revealed a 77-gene genome, including 1 transfer RNA and 41 genes with predicted functions. Comparative genomics indicated that phage vB-EcoM-Eg05 is a new species in the genus Carltongylesvirus . No undesirable genes were detected in bioinformatic analyses, confirming that the phage is safe and that it is a strictly lytic phage. Conclusion: Phage vB-EcoM-Eg05 has therapeutic potential for further development against clinical E. coli infections.