Phage Therapy for Infections: A Promising Alternative in the Era of Antibiotic Resistance

Riffat Blessing

doi:10.35841/aajidmm-9.2.254

Commentary - Journal of Infectious Diseases and Medical Microbiology (2025) Volume 9, Issue 2

Phage Therapy for Infections: A Promising Alternative in the Era of Antibiotic Resistance

Riffat Blessing ^*

Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria

*Corresponding Author:: Riffat Blessing
Faculty of Pharmacy, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria
E-mail: blessing.riff@gmail.com

Received: : 03-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAJIDMM- 25-163163; Editor assigned: 05-Mar-2025, PreQC No. AAJIDMM- 25-163163 (PQ); Reviewed: 11-Mar-2025, QC No. AAJIDMM- 25-163163; Revised:25-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAJIDMM- 25-163163 (R); Published: 31-Mar-2025, DOI:10.35841/10.35841/aajidmm-9.2.254

Citation: Citation: Blessing R. Phage Therapy for Infections: A Promising alternative in the era of antibiotic resistance. 2025; 9(2):254

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Abstract

Introduction

In recent decades, antibiotic resistance has emerged as one of the most significant threats to global health. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have led to the development of resistant strains of bacteria, making infections harder to treat, increasing the duration of illness, and raising the risk of mortality. As a result, the search for alternative therapies has gained urgency. [

One such alternative that has shown promise is phage therapy—a treatment that uses bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria) to target and kill bacterial pathogens. Phage therapy, although first discovered in the early 20th century, has seen a resurgence in interest due to the growing challenges posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This article explores the science behind phage therapy, its potential applications, challenges, and future prospects.[

Bacteriophages, often referred to simply as phage’s, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria. They are the most abundant and diverse biological entities on Earth, with an estimated 10^31 phage’s present in nature. Phage’s have evolved to recognize and infect specific bacterial species or strains, making them highly selective in their action. [3].

Phage infection occurs when a phage attaches to its bacterial host, injects its genetic material, and uses the host cell machinery to replicate its own components. This process often leads to the lysis (destruction) of the bacterial cell, releasing new phage’s to infect nearby bacteria. This targeted, self-replicating mechanism makes phage’s an attractive candidate for the treatment of bacterial infections.[4].

The primary mechanism of action of phage therapy is the ability of phage’s to infect and kill bacteria selectively. Phage’s can be introduced to the site of infection, where they seek out and bind to specific bacterial cells. Upon infecting a bacterial cell, the phage injects its genetic material into the host, commandeering the host's cellular machinery to reproduce more phage particles. [5 ].

This replication process culminates in the lysis (bursting) of the bacterial cell and the release of new phage’s, which continue to infect surrounding bacteria. The specificity of phage’s is one of their most beneficial features. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can affect both harmful and beneficial bacteria, phage’s typically target only the pathogenic bacteria that cause disease. This characteristic reduces the risk of disrupting the normal microbiota; a common side effect of antibiotic treatment. Phage therapy can also be particularly effective when antibiotics are ineffective due to resistance. Phage’s can evolve and adapt alongside bacteria, making them less prone to developing resistance compared to traditional antibiotics. [6, 7].

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as Methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycinresistant Enterococci (VRE), and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), has made many infections difficult or impossible to treat with conventional antibiotics. Phage therapy offers a potential solution for treating these "superbugs" by targeting and eliminating resistant bacteria. Phage therapy has shown potential in treating chronic or recurrent infections that are difficult to manage with antibiotics [8].

For example, Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in patients with cystic fibrosis, or infections associated with prosthetic devices and implants, may be effectively treated with phages. Phage’s can be administered directly to the site of infection, ensuring that high concentrations of the phage reach the bacteria. Postsurgical infections, including surgical site infections (SSIs), are a major cause of morbidity in hospital settings. Phage therapy may be a promising alternative for treating SSIs caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens [9].

Phage’s can be administered as a prophylactic measure or after the onset of infection to target specific bacteria. Phage therapy has also been explored as a means to reduce foodborne pathogens in the agricultural and food industries. Phage’s targeting Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Listeria monocytogenes can be applied to food products to reduce the risk of contamination and prevent outbreaks. This application is particularly useful in the context of antibiotic free farming practices. Just as bacteria can evolve resistance to antibiotics, they can also develop resistance to phages. Bacterial resistance mechanisms to phage’s can involve the modification of receptor sites on the bacterial surface or the production of enzymes that degrade phage particles. However, because phage’s evolved quickly and can undergo genetic changes, they may be able to overcome bacterial resistance over time [10].

conclusion

Phage therapy offers a promising alternative to conventional antibiotic treatments, particularly in the face of rising antibiotic resistance. With its ability to target specific bacterial pathogens, phage therapy can be used to treat a wide range of infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, challenges related to phage resistance, regulatory hurdles, and safety concerns must be addressed before it can be widely adopted. The future of phage therapy is bright, with ongoing research focused on optimizing phage selection, enhancing phage efficacy, and integrating phage therapy into personalized medicine. With continued scientific advancements, phage therapy has the potential to play a critical role in combating infections in the post-antibiotic era, offering hope for more effective treatments and better patient outcomes..