Advances in bacteriophage-mediated strategies for combating polymicrobial biofilms

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Microbial biofilms, often containing bacteria and fungi, are resistant to conventional treatments like antibiotics.
• The protective matrix of biofilms shields microorganisms from disinfectants and the immune system, complicating infection control.
• Multidrug-resistant bacteria in biofilms pose a significant therapeutic challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the use of bacteriophages (phages) in combating polymicrobial biofilms.
• To evaluate the therapeutic potential of phages, alone or in combination with other agents.
• To summarize the advantages, disadvantages, and future perspectives of phage therapy against biofilms.

Main Methods:

• Review of in vitro studies investigating bacteriophage efficacy against polymicrobial biofilms.
• Analysis of different experimental models for biofilm eradication.
• Assessment of phage therapy strategies, including combination approaches.

Main Results:

• Bacteriophages demonstrate potential in disrupting and eliminating polymicrobial biofilms in vitro.
• Phages offer alternative mechanisms of action compared to antibiotics, crucial for resistant strains.
• Synergistic effects observed when phages are combined with antibiotics or other agents.

Conclusions:

• Phage therapy presents a viable alternative and complementary strategy for treating biofilm-related infections.
• Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize phage therapy protocols.
• Phages hold significant promise for addressing the global challenge of antibiotic resistance.