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Efficacy and potential of phage therapy against multidrug resistant Shigella spp

Swee-Seong Tang¹, Sudhangshu Kumar Biswas^1,2, Wen Siang Tan^3,4

¹Division of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

|April 16, 2019

Abstract:

Shigella-infected bacillary dysentery or commonly known as Shigellosis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The gradual emergence of multidrug resistant Shigella spp. has triggered the search for alternatives to conventional antibiotics. Phage therapy could be one such suitable alternative, given its proven long term safety profile as well as the rapid expansion of phage therapy research. To be successful, phage therapy will need an adequate regulatory framework, effective strategies, the proper selection of appropriate phages, early solutions to overcome phage therapy limitations, the implementation of safety protocols, and finally improved public awareness. To achieve all these criteria and successfully apply phage therapy against multidrug resistant shigellosis, a comprehensive study is required. In fact, a variety of phage-based approaches and products including single phages, phage cocktails, mutated phages, genetically engineered phages, and combinations of phages with antibiotics have already been carried out to test the applications of phage therapy against multidrug resistant Shigella. This review provides a broad survey of phage treatments from past to present, focusing on the history, applications, limitations and effective solutions related to, as well as the prospects for, the use of phage therapy against multidrug resistant Shigella spp. and other multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens.

Insights

Phage therapy offers a promising alternative to antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant Shigellosis. This review explores phage treatments, their limitations, and future prospects for combating resistant bacterial infections.

Area of Science:

Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
Bacteriology
Phage Therapy Research

Background:

Shigellosis, caused by *Shigella* species, is a significant global health concern, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality.
The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant *Shigella* strains necessitates the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive review of phage therapy as a potential alternative for treating multidrug-resistant shigellosis.
To survey historical and current phage-based approaches, including their applications, limitations, and potential solutions.

Main Methods:

Review of existing literature on phage therapy applications against *Shigella* and other multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens.
Analysis of various phage-based strategies: single phages, phage cocktails, mutated phages, genetically engineered phages, and phage-antibiotic combinations.

Main Results:

Phage therapy has demonstrated potential as a viable alternative to antibiotics, with a long-term safety profile.
Diverse phage-based products and approaches are under investigation for efficacy against multidrug-resistant *Shigella*.

Conclusions:

Successful implementation of phage therapy requires a robust regulatory framework, effective strategies, proper phage selection, and public awareness.
Continued research and development are crucial for overcoming limitations and realizing the full potential of phage therapy against multidrug-resistant bacterial infections.

Read full analysis

Keywords:

Bacillary dysentery Multidrug-resistant Phage therapy Shigella

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