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Recent Advances in Phage-Based Therapeutics for Multi-Drug Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Yujing Tan1, Jianhui Su1, Minghui Fu1

  • 1School of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.

Bioengineering (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 21, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophage therapy shows promise for treating Acinetobacter baumannii infections, especially with novel combinations and delivery systems. This review highlights recent advances and future directions in combating this opportunistic pathogen.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Acinetobacter baumannii is a significant opportunistic pathogen frequently causing hospital-acquired infections.
  • The rise of antibiotic resistance has renewed interest in phage therapy as a viable alternative treatment.
  • Phage therapy involves using bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) to target and eliminate specific bacterial pathogens.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in phage therapy for Acinetobacter baumannii infections over the last five years.
  • To highlight innovative strategies such as combining phages with other therapeutic agents and advanced delivery systems.
  • To discuss current challenges and future prospects for phage-based treatments against Acinetobacter baumannii.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of scientific publications from the past five years focusing on Acinetobacter baumannii and phage therapy.
  • Analysis of studies exploring combined therapeutic approaches, including phage-photosensitizer combinations.
  • Examination of research on phage encapsulation techniques using microparticles and hydrogels for improved delivery.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in developing phage-based treatments for Acinetobacter baumannii.
  • Combinatorial strategies, such as phage-photosensitizer therapy, show enhanced efficacy.
  • Encapsulation of phages in microparticles and hydrogels improves their stability and targeted delivery.
  • Material science innovations are crucial for advancing phage therapy effectiveness.

Conclusions:

  • Phage therapy represents a promising strategy for combating Acinetobacter baumannii infections, particularly in the post-antibiotic era.
  • Innovative approaches, including synergistic combinations and advanced drug delivery systems, are key to overcoming therapeutic challenges.
  • Further research into material science and phage engineering will be critical for the future clinical application of phage therapy against Acinetobacter baumannii.
Keywords:
Acinetobacter baumanniideliverydepolymeraseencapsulationendolysinphage

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