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Updated: Nov 2, 2025

Antibiotic Efficacy Testing in an Ex vivo Model of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus Biofilms in the Cystic Fibrosis Lung
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Anti-biofilm activity of bacteriophages and lysins in chronic rhinosinusitis

Marzanna Łusiak-Szelachowska, Beata Weber-Dąbrowska, Maciej Żaczek

    Acta Virologica
    |June 16, 2021
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bacteriophages and lysins show promise as alternatives to antibiotics for treating chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). These agents effectively reduced bacterial biofilms in lab and animal studies, with some human data suggesting therapeutic benefits.

    Area of Science:

    • Otolaryngology
    • Microbiology
    • Biotechnology

    Background:

    • Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a common, difficult-to-treat condition often linked to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and biofilm formation.
    • Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are key bacterial species implicated in CRS biofilms.
    • Bacterial intracellular residency is a feature of CRS, complicating antibiotic treatment.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To review current data on bacteriophage and lysin applications for chronic rhinosinusitis.
    • To explore the potential of phage therapy and lysins as alternatives to conventional antibiotics for CRS treatment.

    Main Methods:

    • Review of existing literature on phage and lysin efficacy against CRS-related bacteria.
    • Analysis of ex vivo and in vivo studies using phage cocktails and lysins on bacterial biofilms.
    • Examination of animal models and limited human data on phage therapy for sinusitis.

    Main Results:

    • Phage cocktails significantly reduced Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm biomass in ex vivo and animal models.
    • Staphylococcal lysins P128 and CHAP(k) demonstrated substantial in vitro and in vivo reductions of S. aureus biofilms.
    • Positive outcomes in human cases suggest the therapeutic potential of phage therapy in CRS.

    Conclusions:

    • Bacteriophages and lysins represent promising alternatives to antibiotics for combating bacterial biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis.
    • Further research into phage therapy and lysin applications is warranted for effective CRS treatment strategies.

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