PHAGE THERAPY: THE USE OF BACTERIOPHAGES AS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT BACTERIAL INFECTIONS

Abstract

Phage therapy has emerged as a promising solution to combat resistant bacterial infections, particularly in light of the growing antimicrobial resistance crisis and the lack of new antibiotic developments. Due to its high specificity, bacteriophages target specific bacterial strains without affecting the host’s normal microbiota, minimizing side effects such as dysbiosis and diarrhea often seen with antibiotics. Moreover, phages can self-replicate at the infection site, allowing for lower doses to achieve therapeutic effects. However, their efficacy can be compromised by immune responses, especially in prolonged treatments, and requires prior pathogen identification. Phage therapy can also be used in conjunction with antibiotics to enhance treatment outcomes, though some interactions may interfere with phage replication. Despite these limitations, bacteriophages present a viable alternative for treating refractory infections and hold potential to complement traditional antibiotic therapy in clinical settings.