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Bacteriophage's Dualism in Therapy
V N Krylov1, M V Bourkaltseva1, E A Pleteneva1
1I.I. Mechnikov Research Institute for Vaccines and Sera, Moscow 105064, Russia.
Trends in Microbiology
|May 26, 2019
Abstract:
Careful selection of bacteriophages for phage therapy is needed to avoid undesirable consequences. Different approaches to phage therapy are compared: from the use of multispecies industrially produced phage mixtures with wide range of antibacterial activity to the 'magistral phage' approach in which bacteriophages are selected for treating individual patients.
Insights
Selecting bacteriophages for phage therapy is crucial to prevent adverse effects. This study compares broad-spectrum phage mixtures with personalized
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Virology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Phage therapy offers an alternative to antibiotics for bacterial infections.
- The selection of bacteriophages is critical for therapeutic efficacy and safety.
- Current strategies range from broad-spectrum mixtures to personalized approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare different bacteriophage selection strategies for phage therapy.
- To highlight the implications of phage selection on therapeutic outcomes.
- To inform the development of optimized phage therapy protocols.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of existing phage therapy approaches.
- Review of literature on bacteriophage selection and application.
- Evaluation of 'multispecies phage mixtures' versus 'magistral phage' strategies.
Main Results:
- Multispecies phage mixtures offer broad-spectrum activity but may lack specificity.
- 'Magistral phage' selection allows for tailored treatment but requires individual patient assessment.
- The choice of strategy impacts the risk of undesirable consequences.
Conclusions:
- Careful bacteriophage selection is essential for successful phage therapy.
- Both broad-spectrum and personalized approaches have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Further research is needed to optimize bacteriophage selection for diverse clinical applications.
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