Methods of detecting target bacteria are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise exposing a sample to a phage capable of infecting target bacteria, said phage comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker. In some embodiments, the target bacteria comprise Listeria. In some embodiments, the target bacteria are all Listeria. Recombinant Listeria phage comprising a heterologous nucleic acid sequence encoding a marker are also provided as are useful combinations of such phage and articles of manufacture comprising such phage, among other things.

The invention relates to a bactericide composition based on bacteriophages for the control of black plague in plants or parts thereof, preferably walnuts, a preparation method and application. The invention provides methods for the isolation, propagation and application of bacteriophages against phytopathogens affecting trees/plants that are of commercial interest for their fruit, flowers etc., for the prevention, treatment or reduction of signs, in particular, for Xanthomonas a. pv juglandis in walnuts.

A modified bacteriophage capable of infecting a plurality of different target bacteria, which bacteriophage includes a toxin gene encoding a toxin protein which is toxic to the target bacteria; wherein the bacteriophage is lytic; and wherein the bacteriophage expresses host range determinant proteins which have a plurality of bacterial host specificities.

Disclosed herein are methods and systems for rapid detection of microorganisms in a sample. A genetically modified bacteriophage is also disclosed which comprises an indicator gene in the late gene region. The specificity of the bacteriophage, such as Salmonella-specific bacteriophage, allows detection of a specific microorganism, such as Salmonella spp. and an indicator signal may be amplified to optimize assay sensitivity.

Disclosed herein are novel methodologies for cloning prophage genome sequences that are identified from target organisms or DNA sequencing data and that contain mutations that decrease the function of prophage repressor proteins and for producing lytic phage particles with decreased prophage repressor protein function.

The invention covers new bacteriophage strains specific against bacteria belonging to the species Proteus mirabilis, deposited with the Polish Collection of Microorganisms (PCM) under the access numbers: F/00084 (72APm5211), F/00085 (39APmC32), F/00086 (65APm2833), for use for use in the prophylaxis and therapy. In accordance with the invention the above mentioned bacteriophage strains, in form of complete particles of the single bacteriophage strain, in form of bacteriophage lysates, optionally in form of purified bacteriophage proteins, in particular lytic enzymes that degrade the bacterial cell wall and enzymes that decompose bacterial extracellular polysaccharides, are intended for use in therapy as anti-bacterial agents, in particular against bacteria of the species Proteus mirabilis, especially the drug- and multidrug-resistant strains of the species, advantageously in urinary tract infections. In accordance with the invention the above mentioned bacteriophage strains, in form of a cocktail comprising two or more active bacteriophages, in form of lysates of two or more active bacteriophages, optionally in form of purified bacteriophage proteins of two or more active bacteriophages, especially lytic enzymes that degrade the bacterial cell wall and enzymes that decompose bacterial extracellular polysaccharides, are intended for use in therapy as anti-bacterial agents, in particular against bacteria of the species Proteus mirabilis, especially the drug- and multidrug-resistant strains of the species, advantageously in urinary tract infections. The manufactured preparations or compositions are in gel or liquid form and are intended for use in combination or in composition with other anti-bacterial agent, or with other medicaments, wherein the liquid form may be used spray, compresses, rinse/wash liquid preparation or wet compresses.

The present disclosure relates to a phage-based matrix for inducing stem cell differentiation and a method for preparing the same. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a composition for inducing differentiation of stem cells, which includes a phage-based matrix in which a gradient of stiffness is controlled by crosslinking a recombinant phage with a polymer, and a method for preparing a phage-based matrix for stem cell differentiation. According to the present invention, the method of the present disclosure provides a physical and mechanical niche environment created by the formation of a nanofibrous structure of the phage whose stiffness is controlled, thereby promoting the differentiation of stem cells into target cells. Therefore, it can be applied to a tissue matrix platform as a variety of conventional tissue engineering materials.

Provided are compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating and preventing infections, disorders and conditions in mammals, including genetically-predisposed and chronic disorders, where a microbial or bacterial flora is at least one causative or symptom-producing factor. Provided are compositions and methods used to treat, prevent or ameliorate an infection, for example, an infection in the gastrointestinal tract, or bowel. Provided are compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating and/or preventing a condition comprising an abnormal, disrupted or pathological mucosal surface or mucus-covered epithelium, or a condition caused, modified or effected by an abnormal, disrupted or pathological microbiotia, wherein optionally the infection or condition comprises a diarrhea, a colitis, obesity, diabetes, autism, a cystic fibrosis, a dysentery, a gastrointestinal infection, a gastrointestinal inflammation, a gastrointestinal dysbiosis, a gastrointestinal upset, a lung infection, a bacterial infection, a viral infection, a secondary infection, an inflammation, a mucus hypersecretion, or a dysbiosis.

Provided is a novel bacteriophage CJ23 (KCCM11365P). In addition, the present invention relates to an antibacterial composition including the bacteriophage CJ23 (KCCM11365P) as an active ingredient. Further, provided is a method of preventing and/or treating infectious diseases by avian pathogenic Escherichia coli(APEC) in birds using the bacteriophage CJ23(KCCM11365P) or the antibacterial composition containing the bacteriophage CJ23(KCCM11365P) as an active ingredient.

Provided are compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating and preventing infections, disorders and conditions in mammals, including genetically-predisposed and chronic disorders, where a microbial or bacterial flora is at least one causative or symptom-producing factor. Provided are compositions and methods used to treat, prevent or ameliorate an infection, for example, an infection in the gastrointestinal tract, or bowel. Provided are compositions and methods for treating, ameliorating and/or preventing a condition comprising an abnormal, disrupted or pathological mucosal surface or mucus-covered epithelium, or a condition caused, modified or effected by an abnormal, disrupted or pathological microbiotia, wherein optionally the infection or condition comprises a diarrhea, a colitis, obesity, diabetes, autism, a cystic fibrosis, a dysentery, a gastrointestinal infection, a gastrointestinal inflammation, a gastrointestinal dysbiosis, a gastrointestinal upset, a lung infection, a bacterial infection, a viral infection, a secondary infection, an inflammation, a mucus hypersecretion, or a dysbiosis.