Bacteriophage therapy for Escherichia coli -induced urinary tract infection in rats.

Background: The present study evaluates the efficacy of bacteriophage therapy for urinary tract infection (UTI) in rats. Methods: UTI was established by inoculating Escherichia coli (100 μl) at a concentration of 1.5 × 10 8  CFU/ml per urethra via a cannula in different groups of rats. For treatment, phage cocktails (200 μl) were administered at varying concentrations of 1 × 10 8  PFU/ml, 1 × 10 7  PFU/ml and 1 × 10 6  PFU/ml. Results: The two doses of phage cocktail at the first two concentrations resulted in the cure of UTI. However, the lowest concentration of the phage cocktail warranted more doses to eradicate the causative bacteria. Conclusion: The quantity, frequency and safety of doses could be optimized in a rodent model using the urethral route.