Bacteriophages Against S. aureus

Project entitled:

Using Bacteriophages to Control Staphylococcus aureus

Summary

MAPAQ has determined that Staphylococcus aureus is the main cause of raw milk cheese lots being rejected in recent years. Bacteriophages (or phages) are viruses that specifically target bacteria and destroy them. They are the most abundant biological entities on earth and help regulate bacterial populations. They are found in raw milk, including phages specific to S. aureus. Since the 1920s, phages have been used to prevent and treat bacterial infections, and this practice is still common in some countries. Phages are also used in various food and agricultural applications. Total elimination of undesirable bacteria is not required for the protective action to be successful. In addition, when used in the small amounts required, phages do not change the organoleptic properties of food. Thus, we propose using phages to control S. aureus in dairy products.