Bacteriophage Isolation From Wastewater for Bacteria Pathogenic to Humans

Pathogenic bacteria have become increasingly resistant to antibiotics and alternative treatments for infections are being developed. One such treatment, phage therapy, involves using bacteriophages to destroy the bacteria; however, they must first be isolated. Raw sewage is a commonly evaluated source due to the incredibly high quantity and diversity of bacteria found within it. This research aims to assess the quantity of phages against chosen pathogens in the sewage from the San Angelo Water Reclamation Facility. Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Serratia marcescens, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Streptococcus mutans were evaluated because of the important roles they play in healthcare and the food industry. Quantities were assessed by forming lawns of bacteria and filtered sewage and counting the number of clearings, called plaques, that form. This method showed that phage could be isolated for four of the bacteria with two being found in similar quantities.