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Groundwork for phage therapy: multi-faceted comparative analysis of lytic bacteriophages infecting uropathogenic

Aleksandra Łukasiak1, Wojciech Wesołowski1, Julia Neumann2

  • 1Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biology, University of Gdańsk, Wita Stwosza 59, 80-308, Gdansk, Poland.

Virology
|November 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Phage therapy offers a viable alternative for urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This review details 98 phages effective against UPEC, highlighting their therapeutic potential and challenges for clinical use.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Bacteriology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Antimicrobial resistance in uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) necessitates alternative treatments for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
  • Phage therapy presents a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze reported lytic phages targeting UPEC.
  • To assess the characteristics and therapeutic potential of anti-UPEC phages.
  • To identify challenges hindering the clinical translation of phage therapy for UTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 98 reported lytic phages infecting UPEC.
  • Summary of phage characteristics including morphology, host range, and stability.
  • Bioinformatic and phylogenetic analyses of phage genomic sequences.

Main Results:

  • Significant diversity and therapeutic potential observed among anti-UPEC phages.
  • Detailed characterization of phage properties like infection efficiency, yield, and adsorption.
  • Identification of limitations impeding clinical application of phage therapy.

Conclusions:

  • Anti-UPEC phages demonstrate considerable diversity and therapeutic promise for UTIs.
  • Comprehensive characterization and standardized methodologies are crucial for effective clinical use.
  • Addressing current challenges can facilitate the translation of phage therapy into clinical practice.
Keywords:
Phage therapyPhagesUPEC bacteriaUTIs

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