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Approaching the post-antibiotic era: phage therapy current practices and future horizons
Madison E Stellfox1,2,3, Justin Massey1,2,4, Kailey Hughes Kramer1,2
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Mbio
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, are gaining attention for treating antibiotic-resistant infections. While clinical data is limited, case studies show promise for phage therapy against difficult bacterial infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Therapeutics
Background:
- Bacteriophages (phages) are natural bacterial predators with a long history of clinical use.
- Phage therapy development stalled but is now resurging due to rising antibiotic resistance and complex infections.
- Existing clinical trial data is sparse, but case reports suggest therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current clinical data on phage therapy.
- To identify infectious diseases with high potential for phage therapy.
- To highlight areas needing further research and collaboration.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of available clinical data on phage therapy.
- Analysis of case reports and case series.
- Identification of promising and uncertain applications of phage therapy.
Main Results:
- Increasing, yet sparse, clinical trial data supports phage therapy's impact.
- Case reports demonstrate phage therapy's potential against antimicrobial resistance.
- Certain indications show strong potential, while others require more evidence.
Conclusions:
- Phage therapy shows significant promise in combating antimicrobial resistance.
- Further rigorous preclinical and clinical research is essential for advancing phage therapy.
- Collaboration between scientists and clinicians is crucial for future studies.
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