Project title: Complete genome sequencing and analysis of bacteriophages isolated in Ukraine as a crucial step towards realizing their therapeutic potential

Project No.: LV_UA /2025/5

Period:

1st period 1 June 2025 – 31 December 2025

2nd period 1 January 2026 – 31 December 2026

Project costs:

1st period costs 20 000, 00 EUR

2nd period costs 20 000,00 EUR

Principal Investigator: Dr. biol. Ņikita Zrelovs

Project summary:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical issue in Ukraine, largely impacted by the ongoing military conflict, with nosocomial infections, caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria being a major concern. Unregulated antibiotic therapy during medical evacuations, combined with overwhelmed healthcare facilities, led to the rapid emergence and a wide spread of MDR strains within the country. Phage therapy, which uses highly specific bacteriophages (phages) to combat bacterial pathogens, is a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. However, a comprehensive characterization of phages, including whole genome sequencing to prove their safety, is a prerequisite for their practical use. In this project, we will conduct a whole-genome characterization of a collection of bacteriophages active against Ukrainian isolates of the three relevant pathogens of the ESKAPE group: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus. This will be the first such large-scale effort in Ukraine, allowing the selection of the most promising candidate phages and paving the way for new treatments in the fight against the AMR crisis.