Filogenetik Genom Bakteriofag ΦAfa-NA1 Penginfeksi Patogen Ulkus Diabetes (Alcaligenes Faecalis)

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease with a high prevalence in Indonesia, often leading to serious complications such as diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs), which are frequently caused by antibiotic-resistant Alcaligenes faecalis infections. These infections present a significant challenge for treatment, particularly with the increasing resistance to conventional antibiotics. This study aimed to explore alternative therapies, specifically bacteriophage ϕAfa-NA1, as a potential treatment for Alcaligenes faecalis-induced DFUs. The primary goal of the research was to analyze the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships of bacteriophage ϕAfa-NA1, which infects Alcaligenes faecalis pathogens in DFUs, in comparison with other bacteriophages from different hosts based on the results of phylogenetic reconstruction. Research conducted at the CDAST Laboratory of Jember University focused on the propagation of phages using plaque assays, genome analysis via Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), and bioinformatic analysis with Pharokka. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that ϕAfa-NA1 has a close genetic relationship with phage T7 in key genes such as DNAP, MCP, RNAP, and ligase, reflecting similarities in infection and replication mechanisms. Additionally, ϕAfa-NA1 clustered with ϕAF1 and ϕCP1 in the RNAP and ligase genes, indicating shared patterns of host interaction with Alcaligenes faecalis. A high mutation rate in the TerL gene supports the evolutionary flexibility of ϕAfa-NA1, enabling efficient adaptation to various Alcaligenes faecalis strains. This adaptability, combined with its high infection capacity, strengthens the potential of ϕAfa-NA1 as an effective bacteriophage therapy alternative to antibiotics for treating Alcaligenes faecalis-induced DFUs, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains.