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Applications of bacteriophages against intracellular bacteria

Paulina Śliwka1, Marta Ochocka1, Aneta Skaradzińska1

  • 1Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.

Critical Reviews in Microbiology
|August 24, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophages show promise in combating intracellular bacteria, offering a novel alternative to antibiotics. This review explores phage strategies against these hard-to-treat pathogens.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriophage Research

Background:

  • Intracellular bacteria pose treatment challenges due to protection within host cells, limiting antibiotic efficacy.
  • Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and are explored as an alternative to antibiotics.
  • Current knowledge on phage efficacy against intracellular bacteria is limited, despite their success against extracellular pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current applications of bacteriophages against intracellular bacteria.
  • To highlight therapeutic and preventive strategies using phages for intracellular bacterial infections.
  • To discuss the potential of phage-based approaches in light of advances in phage technology.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing studies on bacteriophage therapy for intracellular bacterial infections.
  • Analysis of phage genomics, delivery, and cell uptake mechanisms.
  • Examination of phage deployment against common intracellular pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Phage therapy is a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for bacterial infections.
  • Phages demonstrate potential in combating intracellular bacterial pathogens.
  • Advances in phage technology are enabling new therapeutic strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophages offer a promising avenue for treating infections caused by intracellular bacteria.
  • Further research into phage mechanisms and delivery is crucial for clinical application.
  • Phage-based strategies represent a significant advancement in infectious disease management.
Keywords:
Intracellular bacteriaantibacterial therapiesbacteriophagesinfectious diseasesphage application

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