Figure 5

Phage and bacterial load in faeces. A Phage titre in the faeces of rats within 1 week after administration of E. coli. B Bacterial concentration in the faeces of rats within 1 week after administration of E. coli. Faeces of rats from the free phage, microencapsulated phage and negative control groups were collected to detect the concentrations of E. coli O157:H7 and phage. E. coli O157:H7 in faeces was detected using sorbitol MacConkey agar plates and the PCR method (rfbE and fliC were used as specific target genes). Phage titre was determined by double-layer agar. Each value in the figure represents the mean  ±  SD (n  =  3). Statistical analysis was used to compare the microencapsulated phage group and the free phage group. ns, no significant difference; *P  <  0.05; **P  <  0.01.