Bacteriophage therapy: an alternative to conventional antibiotics

Bacteriophage therapy is an important alternative to antibiotics in the current era of multidrug resistant pathogens. We reviewed the studies that dealt with the therapeutic use of phages from 1966-1996 and few latest ongoing phage therapy projects via internet. Phages were used topically, orally or systemically in Polish and Soviet studies. The success rate found in these studies was 80-95% with few gastrointeslinal or allergic side effects. British studies also demonstrated significant efficacy of phages against Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas spp and Staphylococcus aureus. US studies dealt with improving the bioavailability of phage. Problems faced in these studies have also been discussed. In conclusion, phage therapy may prove as an important alternative to antibiotics for treating multidrug resistant pathogens.