Phage therapy
Phage therapy, also known as bacteriophage therapy, is a promising form of treatment that utilizes bacteriophages—tiny viruses that infect and destroy specific bacteria—as therapeutic agents against bacterial infections. These naturally occurring viruses have been found to be highly effective in targeting and killing bacteria, offering a potential alternative to antibiotics.
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Despite their longstanding use in some parts of the world, no phage-based products are readily available in most parts of the world. Most patients suffering from chronic or severe infections who aren't responding to conventional antibiotic treatment don't have access to phage therapy - but there is a growing number of clinicians and researchers making phage therapy possible for some patient.
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Phagistry is designed to record the cases of these patients in order to better understand phage therapy and make data-based decisions for treatments, monitoring, and future clinical trials.
Electron micrograph of bacteriophages (phages).
More about phage therapy
HISTORY
The concept of phage therapy dates back to the early 20th century when the discovery of bacteriophages by Frederick Twort and Felix d'Herelle sparked interest in their potential as antimicrobial agents. In the decades that followed, phage therapy gained traction in parts of Eastern Europe, particularly in countries of the former Soviet Union, where it was used to treat bacterial infections with success. However, the advent of antibiotics led to a decline in interest and research into phage therapy in Western medicine - until recently.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat to public and personal health, rendering many conventional antibiotics ineffective against bacterial infections. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, agriculture, and animal husbandry have accelerated the development of resistant bacteria, creating a pressing need for alternative treatment options, such as phage therapy. As antibiotics become less effective, patients are at risk of prolonged illnesses, increased mortality rates, and higher healthcare costs. In this critical moment, exploring alternative therapies like phage therapy offers hope for combating AMR and addressing the urgent medical challenge posed by resistant bacteria. Embracing innovative approaches to infection control and treatment is needed to safeguard public health and ensure effective treatment options for current and future generations.
CURRENT STATUS
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in phage therapy worldwide, driven by the rise of AMR and the limits of conventional antibiotics. With growing concerns about antibiotic resistance, researchers and clinicians are exploring the potential of phage therapy as a viable alternative or adjunct to antibiotic treatment. Clinical trials have yet to provide evidence for phage therapy and more studies are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of phage therapy in various clinical settings, including wound infections, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections.
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