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Author Spotlight: Investigating Bacteriophage-Induced Immune Responses in Gnotobiotic Mice
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Clostridioides difficile phage biology and application.
Joshua Heuler1, Louis-Charles Fortier2, Xingmin Sun1
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
FEMS Microbiology Reviews
|February 13, 2021
Summary
Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI) are a major healthcare challenge. Bacteriophages offer promising therapeutic strategies against antibiotic-resistant C. difficile, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriophage Research
Background:
- Clostridioides difficile is the primary cause of C. difficile infections (CDI).
- Antibiotic-induced gut dysbiosis facilitates C. difficile colonization and recurrent infections.
- Antibiotic resistance in C. difficile poses a significant public health threat.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current knowledge on Clostridioides difficile bacteriophages.
- To explore phage lifestyles, genomics, and impact on bacterial gene expression and pathogenicity.
- To discuss the clinical potential of C. difficile phages in therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Clostridioides difficile bacteriophage research.
- Analysis of phage genomics and infection mechanisms.
- Evaluation of phage-based therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- A diverse range of bacteriophages infect C. difficile.
- Phage infection can alter bacterial gene expression and virulence.
- Phages represent a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics for CDI treatment.
Conclusions:
- Clostridioides difficile phages hold significant therapeutic promise for CDI.
- Further research into phage biology and clinical applications is warranted.
- Whole phage therapy and phage-derived products are key areas for development.
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