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Related Concept Videos

Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages01:30

Lytic Cycle of Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are specialized viruses that infect bacteria. A key characteristic of phages is their distinctive “head-tail” morphology. A phage begins the infection process (i.e., lytic cycle) by attaching to the outside of a bacterial cell. Attachment is accomplished via proteins in the phage tail that bind to specific receptor proteins on the outer surface of the bacterium. The tail injects the phage’s DNA genome into the bacterial cytoplasm. In the lytic replication...
Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages00:43

Lysogenic Cycle of Bacteriophages

In contrast to the lytic cycle, phages infecting bacteria via the lysogenic cycle do not immediately kill their host cell. Instead, they combine their genome with the host genome, allowing the bacteria to replicate the phage DNA along with the bacterial genome. The incorporated copy of the phage genome is called the prophage. Some prophages can re-activate and enter the lytic cycle. This often occurs in response to a perturbation, such as DNA damage, but can also transpire in the absence of...
DNA Bacteriophages01:26

DNA Bacteriophages

Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, utilizing their genetic material to hijack host cellular machinery for replication. DNA bacteriophages employ single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) genomes. These phages exhibit diverse replication strategies and host interactions, influencing their ecological roles and applications in biotechnology and medicine.ssDNA BacteriophagesssDNA phages, with their small genomes, utilize unique strategies to...
Bacteriophages of the Human Virome01:23

Bacteriophages of the Human Virome

Bacteriophages are found throughout the human body. They may even outnumber eukaryotic viruses, forming an important and dynamic component of the human virome. Indeed, phages represent the most abundant viral entities, with densities in the gut reaching up to 10⁹ particles per gram of fecal matter, and many belonging to orders such as Caudovirales and Microviridae, while a substantial proportion remains unclassified as viral “dark matter.”Lysogeny and Genetic ExchangeIn the gut, bacteriophages...
Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle01:16

Viral Replication: Lysogenic Cycle

The lysogenic cycle is a crucial viral replication strategy that allows bacteriophages to persist within host cells without immediately destroying them. This process is primarily observed in temperate phages, such as bacteriophage lambda (λ), which infects Escherichia coli. The cycle allows the viral genome to persist across bacterial generations while keeping host cells viable.Integration of the Viral GenomeUpon infection, bacteriophage lambda attaches to the bacterial surface and injects its...
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.

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Phage Therapy Application to Counteract Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection in Cystic Fibrosis Zebrafish Embryos
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Phage therapy.

John N Housby1, Nicholas H Mann

  • 1Novolytics Ltd., Barclays Venture Centre, Coventry, UK. j.n.housby@novolytics.co.uk

Drug Discovery Today
|June 11, 2009
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Bacteriophage therapy is gaining interest due to rising antibiotic resistance. While used for decades in Eastern Europe, its adoption in Western medicine faces hurdles. Animal studies show phage therapy is safe and effective.

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Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Growing threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens.
  • Phage therapy has a long history of use in Eastern Europe.
  • Limited adoption in Western medicine due to scientific, financial, and regulatory barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the reasons behind phage therapy's limited use in Western medicine.
  • To assess the current evidence for phage therapy's safety and efficacy.
  • To identify factors crucial for overcoming adoption hurdles.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on phage therapy.
  • Analysis of historical usage data from Eastern Europe.
  • Evaluation of pharmacokinetic and clinical outcome data from animal studies.

Main Results:

  • Phage therapy is a viable alternative for antibiotic-resistant infections.
  • Animal studies demonstrate promising safety and efficacy profiles.
  • Understanding historical context is key to addressing adoption challenges.

Conclusions:

  • Phage therapy holds significant potential to combat antibiotic resistance.
  • Further research and regulatory clarity are needed for mainstream clinical adoption.
  • Evidence from animal models supports the safety and efficacy of phage therapy.