Antimicrobial resistance: use of phage therapy in the management of resistant infections

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, diminishing the efficacy of conventional antibiotics.
• The pipeline for new antibiotic development is insufficient to meet the growing challenge of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).
• Alternative therapeutic strategies are urgently needed to manage bacterial infections effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications and successes of phage therapy (PT) as an alternative to antibiotics.
• To compare the efficacy, benefits, and limitations of PT against established antimicrobial drugs.
• To assess the impact of PT on the human microbiome and immune system.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on phage therapy efficacy against specific MDROs.
• Comparative analysis of phage therapy versus traditional antibiotic treatments.
• Evaluation of phage therapy's effects on host biological systems.

Main Results:

• Phage therapy demonstrates success against key MDROs including Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterobacter spp.
• PT offers a viable alternative with distinct benefits and limitations compared to chemical antibiotics.
• The impact of PT on the gut microbiome and immune responses is a critical area of consideration.

Conclusions:

• Phage therapy presents a promising avenue for treating infections caused by MDROs.
• Challenges such as narrow spectrum, cocktail development, and precise protocols require further research and regulatory refinement.
• Integration of PT into standard medical practice requires continued research, regulatory support, and public education to combat the AMR crisis.