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Bacteriophages show promise as antimicrobial agents
J Alisky1, K Iczkowski, A Rapoport
1Department of Community and Family Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, MO 63014, USA.
The Journal of Infection
|November 20, 1998
Summary
Bacteriophages (phage) show promise as alternatives to antibiotics for treating drug-resistant bacteria. Early studies reported high success rates with minimal side effects, though more research is needed.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Bacteriophage Therapy
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance necessitates exploring alternative antimicrobial agents.
- Bacteriophages (phage) are viruses that infect bacteria and represent a potential therapeutic option.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic applications of bacteriophages based on literature from 1966-1996.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of phage therapy in treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of Medline citations (1966-1996) focusing on therapeutic phage use.
- Analysis of studies from Poland, Soviet Union, Britain, and the U.S.A. detailing phage administration and outcomes.
- Inclusion of controlled trials in animal models and research on phage bioavailability.
Main Results:
- Polish and Soviet studies reported 80-95% success rates for phage therapy against various pathogens with rare side effects.
- British animal model studies demonstrated efficacy against Escherichia, Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and Staphylococcus species.
- U.S. research explored methods to enhance phage bioavailability by overcoming sequestration.
Conclusions:
- Bacteriophages hold potential for treating antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
- Further research is required to standardize dosages, clinical criteria, and improve bioavailability for widespread clinical adoption.