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Phagetherapy updates: New frontiers against antibiotic resistance
Shiza Malik1, Omar Ahsan2, Khalid Muhammad3
11Bridging Health Foundation, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan.
European Journal of Microbiology & Immunology
|March 17, 2025
Summary
Bacteriophage therapy offers a promising alternative to antibiotics for combating drug-resistant bacteria. This review explores phage mechanisms, applications in various diseases, and their role alongside CRISPR-Cas systems.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
- Biotechnology
- Genetics
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance poses a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria and have long been investigated as an alternative to conventional antibiotics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on bacteriophage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics.
- To identify mechanisms of action and applications of phage therapy.
- To explore the role of phages in combating antibiotic resistance and related health issues.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search using scientific databases like Google Scholar and PubMed.
- Analysis of existing research on bacteriophage therapy, CRISPR-Cas systems, and antibiotic resistance.
Main Results:
- Bacteriophages demonstrate potential in reducing antibiotic resistance by modulating microbiomes and addressing complications.
- Phage therapy shows promise for secondary infections, such as in COVID-19 patients.
- CRISPR-Cas systems offer additional strategies for combating antibiotic resistance.
Conclusions:
- Phage therapy is a viable strategy against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, with benefits for food production and health.
- Careful regulation and selection of phages, potentially combined with antibiotics, are crucial for managing coevolutionary dynamics.
- Future research should focus on phage and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated phage therapy, acknowledging current limitations.
Keywords:
CRISPR-Cas systemantibiotic resistanceantibioticsbacteriophagesinfectionsmultidrug-resistant bacteriaphage resistancephage therapyMore Related Videos
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