Characterisation of novel bacteriophages against the cattle pathogen Moraxella bovis

Abstract

BackgroundInfectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis is the most important cattle ocular disease worldwide. The infection is primarily caused by Moraxella bovis and is a highly contagious disease that significantly affects cattle welfare. Currently, antibiotic medication is the primary treatment for infectious bovine keratoconjunctivitis. However, with rising concerns over antibiotic resistance, we propose developing a more targeted therapeutic strategy using bacteriophages (phages). Materials and MethodsWe have isolated the first known Moraxella bovis phages, characterised them according to their genome sequence, local virulence index and with transmission electron microscopy. The host ranges were assessed using 41 clinical M. bovis strains isolated from infected cows. ResultsFour phages were isolated and characterised. Comparative analysis identified a high degree of genomic similarity between the phages MB15, MB16, MB26 and MB43. MB43 was the most distinct, with the smallest host range phenotype. ConclusionsThe isolated phages show therapeutic potential for further development against Moraxella infections.