Bacteriophage research in India and its implications for human health: A scoping review

Background and objectives Amidst the setting of a worldwide threat posed by antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophages have emerged as novel antibiotic alternatives. This scoping review was conducted to systematically survey and categorise bacteriophage research conducted in India, focusing on explicit implications for human health. Methods We conducted a scoping review according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. We searched five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) without any date restrictions through June 2025. Studies were included if they presented original research on bacteriophages or phage therapy in Indian settings (human, animal, orenvironmental). Data were tabulated on a pre-designed form and classified by application area, study type, and outcomes. Results The initial search of the databases led to 4,756 studies, and ultimately, 111 were included. Studies were predominantly from the laboratory setting, with very few clinical and translational studies. The majority of the included study types were animal models of efficacy and in vitro phage characterisation. Very few were conducted with human subjects or clinical trial designs. Gaps of particular concern are a lack of regulatory framework, clinical trials, pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic studies, synthetic biology methods, and One Health integrated surveillance systems. Interpretation and conclusion Bacteriophage research in India is growing but is still underdeveloped in translational areas. Closing the listed shortcomings and keeping the pace with international innovations, such as engineered phages, standardised formulations, and clinical validations, will be critical to realise the full potential of phage therapy in India.