The Use of the λ Bacteriophage to Neutralize the Pathogenic Effects of Shiga Toxins from Escherichia Coli to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: A Research Protocol

Abstract

Introduction: Resistance to antibiotics is becoming a global health crisis. Certain strains of Escherichia coli bacteria are resistant to antibiotic drugs and thrive without competition. Pathogenic effects of E. coli are caused by Shiga toxins they produce. Instead of attempting to kill the pathogens, we propose altering the bacterial genome of E. coli, causing the expression of globotriaosylceramide (Gb₃) receptors, effectively neutralizing produced toxins.

Methods: Phages are introduced to cultured E. coli cells and incorporate their DNA into the bacterial genome. Mutation vectors are transformed into E. coli cells using electroporation, causing expression of Gb₃ receptors and preventing the lysing of the cell. Next, exposure to UV light causes phages to enter the lytic cycle, and mutated phages can be collected. Then, E. coli cells will be administered to 28 Wistar rats, and phage treatments causing expression of Gb₃ receptors on E. coli cells will be administered to the treatment group. Rats in both groups will be monitored for symptomatology of E. coli poisoning, and stool samples will be collected and analyzed for quantities of Shiga toxins.

Anticipated Results: We anticipate that phage-treated E. coli cells will express Gb₃ receptors. We expect that, in the control group, symptoms of E. coli poisoning and quantities of Shiga toxins will increase over the duration of the study. Upon adequate expression of Gb₃ receptors, we expect symptoms of E. coli poisoning and quantities of Shiga toxins to be lower in the treatment group than in the control group throughout the study. 

Discussion: Confirmation of our anticipated results through immunofluorescence spectra visualizing Gb₃ receptors, histogram plots of symptoms, and lateral flow assays detecting quantities of Shiga toxins will prove our methods to be a valuable asset for decreasing the effects of E. coli poisoning and related diseases.

Conclusion: Antibiotic resistance is becoming a serious threat. As antibiotic drugs are designed to kill bacteria, we propose an alternative method to neutralizing the pathogenic effects caused by E. coli through the incorporation of Gb₃ receptors, and allowing the proliferation of the bacteria. This suggests an approach to slowing the acceleration of antibiotic resistance.