Volume 11,Issue 6
Research Progress on Bacteriophages and Endolysins Against Streptococcus suis
Streptococcus suis is a well-known zoonotic pathogen. The rise of multidrug-resistant strains has made traditional antibiotic treatments largely unreliable, pushing us to look for alternative antimicrobial strategies. Bacteriophages and their endolysins are now drawing serious attention. They are highly specific and rarely trigger new resistance. In this review, we summarize the taxonomy and life cycle of S. suis phages. We then focus on the structural domains of endolysins and how they physically break down bacterial cells. Practical uses of these agents in veterinary medicine, food safety, and environmental control are also discussed. We also point out several bottlenecks restricting their commercial use—namely, the narrow host range and poor stability in vivo. Addressing these issues is essential for future product development.
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