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Bacteriophage therapy for periprosthetic joint infections: Current limitations and research needed to advance this

James B Doub1, Ken Urish2, Benjamin Chan3,4

  • 1Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Journal of Orthopaedic Research : Official Publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society
|August 28, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophage therapy shows promise for periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) due to biofilm degradation and bacterial lysis. Further research is needed to overcome limitations and enhance the effectiveness of bacteriophages for PJI treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are serious complications of joint replacement surgery.
  • Bacteriophage therapy offers a potential alternative to antibiotics for treating PJIs, leveraging natural antimicrobial properties.
  • Current understanding and application of bacteriophage therapy for PJIs remain limited, impacting treatment consistency.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To discuss the limitations of bacteriophage therapy for PJIs.
  • To identify critical areas for translational research to advance bacteriophage therapy for PJIs.
  • To elucidate the potential of bacteriophages in reducing PJI-related morbidity and mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and critical analysis of existing research on bacteriophage therapy for PJIs.
  • Identification and discussion of inherent limitations in bacteriophage therapy for PJI treatment.
  • Outline of essential translational research directions.

Main Results:

  • Bacteriophages possess inherent capabilities to degrade biofilm matrices and lyse bacteria within biofilms.
  • Significant knowledge gaps exist regarding bacteriophage therapy for PJIs, affecting treatment efficacy and reproducibility.
  • Key research areas include bacterial polyclonal nature in PJIs, bacteriophage receptor variations, and interactions with host macromolecules.

Conclusions:

  • Bacteriophage therapy holds significant potential for treating PJIs.
  • Addressing identified limitations through targeted translational research is crucial for optimizing bacteriophage therapy.
  • Further research will enable the full realization of bacteriophages' potential in managing PJI morbidity and mortality.
Keywords:
attachment receptorbacteriophage therapyclonalityperiprosthetic joint infectionsphenotypic variation

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