Bacteriophage as a potential biotherapeutics to combat present-day crisis of multi-drug resistant pathogens

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Biotechnology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• The increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens poses a significant global health threat.
• Conventional antibiotics are becoming less effective, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies.
• Phage therapy, utilizing bacteriophages, has emerged as a potential alternative due to its specific antibacterial action.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the antibacterial effects of bacteriophages and their recent clinical applications.
• To emphasize the lytic mechanisms of bacteriophages, focusing on endolysin and holin.
• To highlight recent clinical trials and marketed products involving endolysins and discuss future prospects.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications and clinical trial data on bacteriophage therapy.
• Analysis of the molecular mechanisms of lytic bacteriophage action, including endolysin and holin functions.
• Examination of clinical trial outcomes and marketed endolysin-based products.

Main Results:

• Bacteriophages demonstrate significant antibacterial effects against MDR pathogens.
• Lytic phages employ endolysins and holins for efficient bacterial lysis.
• Recent clinical trials show promise for endolysins as standalone or adjunct therapies, with some products already available.

Conclusions:

• Phage therapy, particularly using endolysins, presents a viable alternative to conventional antibiotics for combating MDR bacterial infections.
• Further research and clinical trials are crucial to optimize phage and endolysin applications and overcome existing limitations.
• The development of endolysin-based products signifies a step forward in addressing the antibiotic resistance crisis.