Isolation and characterization of novel Klebsiella phages from Benin and their antibiofilm activities on multidrug resistant and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Agbankpe, A. J.; FABIYI, K.; Hounmanou, Y. M. G.; Nougbologni, G. R.; Balarabe, R.; Michniewski, S.; Hougbenou, J. B.-G.; Deguenon, E.; DOUGNON, V.; Bankole, H.; Baba-Moussa, L.; Nazir, R.; Clokie, M.

doi:10.64898/2026.07.25.740742

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.07.25.740742

Isolation and characterization of novel Klebsiella phages from Benin and their antibiofilm activities on multidrug resistant and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae

Agbankpe, A. J.·FABIYI, K.·Hounmanou, Y. M. G.·Nougbologni, G. R.·Balarabe, R.·Michniewski, S.·Hougbenou, J. B.-G.·Deguenon, E.·DOUGNON, V.·Bankole, H.·Baba-Moussa, L.·Nazir, R.·Clokie, M.

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Abstract

Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae represents a growing clinical threat, particularly where multidrug resistance limits treatment options. Here, we report the isolation and characterization of three novel lytic phages from Benin (Kp1Bj_HH11_M23, Kp2Bj_LN294_M23, and Kp10Bj_LN54_14). These Myoviruses, belonging to the genera Marfavirus and Jiaodavirus, display broad host range activity against multidrug-resistant and hypervirulent K. pneumoniae strains. Genomic analysis confirmed the absence of virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes. The phages exhibit rapid adsorption, short latency periods, and high burst sizes (119-2208 PFU/cell). All three phages significantly inhibited biofilm formation and reduced established biofilms in vitro. Their stability across a wide range of temperatures and pH further supports their potential for therapeutic development. Together, these data highlight the value of locally sourced phages as candidates for tackling region-specific antimicrobial resistance challenges.

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Agbankpe, A. J., FABIYI, K., Hounmanou, Y. M. G., Nougbologni, G. R., Balarabe, R., Michniewski, S., Hougbenou, J. B.-G., Deguenon, E., DOUGNON, V., Bankole, H., Baba-Moussa, L., Nazir, R., Clokie, M.. 2026-07-30. Isolation and characterization of novel Klebsiella phages from Benin and their antibiofilm activities on multidrug resistant and hypervirulent strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.07.25.740742

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