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Phage therapy: A renewed approach against oral diseases caused by Enterococcus faecalis infections

Dan Yang1, Yingying Xiang2, Fei Song3

  • 1Medical School, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, 650500, China.

Microbial Pathogenesis
|February 14, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Bacteriophages (phages) offer a promising alternative to antibiotics for combating drug-resistant bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis. This review explores phage therapy

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Bacteriology

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing global health crisis, complicating the treatment of bacterial infections.
  • Enterococcus faecalis, a resilient bacterium often found in persistent infections like failed root canal therapy, contributes to periapical lesions.
  • Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, present a potential solution due to their specificity and efficacy against resistant strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the advantages of phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics.
  • To explore the application of phage therapy in treating oral diseases, specifically those caused by Enterococcus faecalis.
  • To discuss the challenges and future perspectives of phage therapy in dentistry.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on bacteriophages and their application in treating bacterial infections.
  • Analysis of Enterococcus faecalis characteristics, including its role in persistent oral infections and biofilm formation.
  • Evaluation of phage therapy's efficacy, safety, and limitations in the context of oral diseases.

Main Results:

  • Phages exhibit high host specificity, potent bactericidal activity, and favorable biosafety profiles.
  • Enterococcus faecalis's tolerance and biofilm formation contribute to treatment failures and periapical lesions.
  • Phage therapy shows potential for targeting drug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis in oral infections.

Conclusions:

  • Phage therapy is a viable alternative to antibiotics for combating resistant bacteria.
  • Targeting Enterococcus faecalis with phages presents a novel approach for managing persistent oral infections and periapical lesions.
  • Further research is needed to overcome challenges and fully realize the potential of phage therapy in dentistry.
Keywords:
EndolysinEnterococcus faecalisPhage therapyPhage-antibiotics synergism

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