Experimental phage therapy against Enterobacter cloacae abscesses in rabbit model

Objective To observe the efficacy of phage therapy on subcutaneous abscesses caused by Enterobacter cloacae and provide basis for phage therapy against bacterial infections. Methods Enterobacter cloacae suspension( 4 ×107CFU / mL) was injected subcutaneously into a shaved area on back of rabbits to develop abscess which lasted for at least 4 days. After abscess formation,phages( 1 × 109PFU / mL) were given at same site,and abscess area and number of bacteria and phages were examined. Results The abscess area and number of Enterobacter cloacae in animals treated with phages were significantly lower than those in animals treated with saline. Phage number from injection sites of infected groups increased in compared with phage-only controls( i. e.,no bacteria), but no significance was found( P 0. 05). Conclusion Phage therapy is effective to protect rabbits against subcutaneous abscesses caused by Enterobacter cloacae,revealing phage therapy exhibiting a potential applications for Enterobacter cloacae infections.