Guangxi University Reports Findings in Escherichia coli O157:H7 (Oral phages prophylaxis against mixed Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium infections in weaned piglets).

A study conducted by Guangxi University in China found that phages, a type of virus, can be used as a preventive measure against bacterial diarrhea in weaned piglets caused by Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The researchers isolated a phage called NJ12 and combined it with another phage called EP01 to create a phage cocktail. When administered orally to piglets before bacterial infection, the phage cocktail significantly reduced the severity of diarrhea, improved weight gain, and decreased the levels of bacteria in the intestines. However, the phage treatment did not restore the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota. The study suggests that phages used as a feed additive can effectively prevent bacterial diarrhea in weaned piglets. [Extracted from the article]