Novel bacteriophage vB_Yep_9 as a biocontrol agent against Yersinia enterocolitica in foods

Yersinia enterocolitica , a significant foodborne pathogen causing yersiniosis, grows at refrigeration temperatures and necessitates urgent development of antibiotic-free control strategies, with bacteriophages representing a promising alternative due to their specificity and lytic activity. In this study, a novel phage, vB_Yep_9, was isolated from sewage and characterized. It exhibited a broad host range, lysing 30.8% of tested Y. enterocolitica strains, with an optimal MOI of 0.1, a short latency period of 20 min, and stability across a wide range of temperatures (4-37°C) and pH (4-10). Genomic analysis revealed a 39,523 bp dsDNA genome with no virulence or antibiotic resistance genes. Collective results from phylogenetic trees and ANI analysis (<95% with all known Teseptimavirus members) collectively demonstrate that phage vB_Yep_9 should be classified as a new species under the genus Teseptimavirus. vB_Yep_9 significantly inhibited and disrupted Y. enterocolitica biofilms. In food models (lettuce, pork, milk), it reduced bacterial counts by up to log10 CFU/mL CFU/mL at both 4°C and 25°C. These findings highlight vB_Yep_9 as a promising biocontrol agent against Y. enterocolitica in diverse food systems. • A novel phage vB_Yep_9 targeting Yersinia enterocolitica was isolated and characterized. • This phage has been shown to effectively inhibit bacterial biofilm formation. • It demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity against lettuce, pork, and milk samples under refrigerated and ambient conditions. • The phage shows potential as a biological agent for the prevention and control of Yersinia enterocolitica contamination.