Work

Comprehensive investigation of a novel and safe lytic phage vB_AroA_KFSA9 as a commercial candidate for biocontrol of Aeromonas hydrophila on fresh produce

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Aeromonas hydrophila is an emerging foodborne pathogen, particularly prevalent in fresh produce, posing a risk to public health. Despite its significance, no commercial phage products have yet been developed to target Aeromonas spp. for food applications. This study characterized and evaluated a novel, safe Aeromonas hydrophila -specific phage, vB_AroA_KFSA9 as a commercial biocontrol candidate for application on fresh produce. vB_AroA_KFSA9, isolated from a poultry processing plant, exhibited high specificity only against nine A. hydrophila strains, showing no lytic activity against 4 Aeromonas species, 3 probiotic species, and 19 species of foodborne pathogens. Comprehensive genomic analysis confirmed the safety of the phage by revealing no undesirable genes associated with antibiotic resistance, bacterial virulence, or lysogeny. Furthermore, it identified vB_AroA_KFSA9 as a novel member of the genus Teseptimavirus within the family Autotranscriptaviridae , distinguished from related phages by a divergent tail fiber and unique endonuclease-associated genes. The phage remained stable even under food industry-relevant stress conditions, including pHs 4–10, 4–40 °C, and common sanitizers (acetic acid, citric acid, and hydrogen peroxide). The phage exhibited excellent bactericidal effects, achieving complete cell lysis within 3 h, even at a low multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 0.01. Applying vB_AroA_KFSA9 on A. hydrophila -contaminated cherry tomatoes and lettuce significantly reduced the number of A. hydrophila by ∼2.79 log CFU/cherry tomato and ∼2.45 log CFU/4 cm 2 lettuce in 60 min, using an MOI of 1. These findings demonstrate vB_AroA_KFSA9 as a promising biocontrol candidate for future commercial application in the fresh produce chain. • A novel, lytic vB_AroA_KFSA9 was stable under conditions relevant to fresh produce. • Genomic analysis confirmed the novelty and safety of vB_AroA_KFSA9. • vB_AroA_KFSA9 reduced A. hydrophila significantly on fresh produce. • Bacterial regrowth suggests phage cocktails or hurdle strategies are needed. • vB_AroA_KFSA9 is a biocontrol candidate against A. hydrophila on fresh produce.

Source: Current Research in Food Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.crfs.2025.101282

Authors: In Young Choi, Su-Hyeon Kim, Mi-Kyung Park

Institution: Kyungpook National University

Language: English

Topic: Bacteriophages and microbial interactions

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Zero hunger, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,170