Bacteriophages Synergize with the Gut Microbial Community To Combat Salmonella

Antibiotic-resistant bacteria are a global threat. Therefore, alternative approaches for combatting bacteria, especially antibiotic-resistant bacteria, are urgently needed. Using a human gut microbiota model, we demonstrate that bacteriophages (phages) are able to substantially decrease pathogenic Salmonella without perturbing the microbiota. Conversely, antibiotic treatment leads to the eradication of close to all commensal bacteria, leaving only antibiotic-resistant bacteria. An unbalanced microbiota has been linked to many diseases both in the gastrointestinal tract or “nonintestinal” diseases. In our study, we show that the microbiota provides a protective effect against Salmonella . Since phage treatment preserves the healthy gut microbiota, it is a feasible superior alternative to antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, when combating infections caused by pathogenic bacteria, gut microbiota should be considered.