Molecular Characterization of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas Aeruginosa from Retail Meat and its Lytic Bacteriophage

MRSA-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in commercial meat is a big concern for veterinary public health. In Al-Diwanyia, Iraq, 150 beef samples were collected for this study. P. aeruginosa was found to be 33.33% of the germs discovered out of 60% (P < 0.001). All isolates tested negative for penicillin, ceftazidime, and cefepime against a disk diffusion panel of eleven antibiotics. Identification was further confirmed by molecular and phylogenetic analysis. To address this threat, a lytic bacteriophage was successfully isolated to target these MDR strains. The phage rapid adsorption rate 0.267 ± 0.002 at 5 min and a short eclipse period of 15 minutes. the lysis time of the phage against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was monitored over a 3-hour period a reduction in bacterial growth (Abs at 600 nm) was observed after 1.5 h, which corresponded with an increase in phage activity (Abs at 350 nm). The highest phage activity was recorded at 3 h (0.245 ± 0.003). These results support the phage-based interventions as a sustainable and effective biocontrol strategy to reduce microbial risks in meat products and enhance food safety.