The Efficacy of Bacteriophage as a Method of Biofilm Eradication

The ability of bacteriophage and their associated polysaccharide depolymerases to control enteric biofilm formation was investigated. Bacteriophages specific for Enterobacter strains were isolated from primary effluent sewage. Combinations of three phages were required before complete eradication of single species biofilms of Enterobacter cloace occurred. Attempts to eliminate a susceptible bacterial population within a dual species biofilm were unsuccessful. It was thought that the structural heterogeneity of the biofilm produced pockets of unattainable, susceptible bacteria. These results suggest that phage and bacteria can co-exist stably within a biofilm. Bacteriophage, would, therefore, make poor tools for the control of biofilm formation. However, the results suggest that combined treatment with bacteriophage polysaccharide depolymerases and disinfectant may provide an alternative control strategy.