Bacteriophages: How Viruses Support Antibiotics

The return of bacteriophages: How a virus could help antibiotics fight resistant bacteria Bacteriophages, commonly known as phages, are showing significant promise in fields such as bioengineering and biotechnology, according to Patricia Guillem, a professor of epidemiology and public health at the European University. More than 1 million people died from antibiotic-resistant bacteria in 2019 and the World Health Organization identifies antimicrobial resistance as one of the greatest threats to global public health. Respiratory infections were the most prevalent, with deadly bacteria including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Phage therapy offers a targeted approach, attacking only the pathogenic bacteria without disrupting the body’s beneficial microbiota. This precision could reduce side effects and preserve microbial balance during treatment. Experts note that phage therapy may soon be authorized for treating bacterial infections, which would also benefit veterinary medicine by reducing reliance on antibiotics in animals. The approach is gaining global attention as researchers seek solutions to the growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance. In recent decades, only about ten new antibiotics have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, a pace considered insufficient to keep up with evolving bacterial resistance. Scientists estimate that around 700,000 people die each year from drug-resistant infections, a number that could rise to 10 million annually by 2050 if no effective interventions are implemented. The study of bacteriophages has intensified worldwide, with researchers investigating their potential as therapeutic agents against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Their ability to evolve alongside bacteria makes them a dynamic tool in the fight against infections that no longer respond to conventional drugs. As interest grows, phage therapy represents a promising complement to existing antibiotics, offering a potential path forward in preserving the effectiveness of antimicrobial treatments for both human and animal health.