Bacteriophage Treatment before Chemical Disinfection Can Enhance Removal of Plastic-Surface-Associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Phages are already utilized in the health care industry to treat antibiotic-resistant infections, such as those on implant-associated biofilms and in compassionate-care cases. Phage treatment could also be a promising new tool to control pathogens in the built environment, preventing infections from occurring. This study shows that phages can be combined effectively with chemical disinfectants to improve the removal of wet biofilms and bacteria spotted onto surfaces while preventing regrowth in dry biofilms. This has the potential to improve pathogen containment within the built environment and drinking water infrastructure to prevent infections by opportunistic pathogens.