Exploiting the role of TolC in pathogenicity: identification of a bacteriophage to eradicate Salmonella serovars from poultry.

Using a screening procedure, three bacteriophages, ST27, ST29 and ST35 were identified with selective activity for Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (SL1344) but not SL1344 tolC::aph. Over-production of TolC, lead to a lower efficiency of plating (EOP) further suggesting that TolC was the target receptor. Activity against other serovars of Salmonella was observed but not to other species of Enterobacteriaceae. This study provides proof of principle that bacteriophages can be active against the outer membrane protein of tripartite RND efflux pumps and so could be used to reduce the numbers of Salmonella in animals reared for food production.