Bacteriophage research focuses on viruses known as bacteriophages, or phages, which specifically infect and destroy bacteria. Discovered over a century ago, phages are now being re-explored as a promising tool to combat the global rise of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial infections. As antibiotics become less effective due to overuse and bacterial adaptation, phages offer a highly targeted alternative that can kill bacteria without harming human cells or beneficial microbes.
Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, phages recognize and attack specific bacterial strains, reducing the risk of disrupting the body’s normal flora or contributing to further resistance. Research in phage therapy includes isolating new phages from the environment, engineering phages for improved efficacy, and developing personalized treatments tailored to individual infections.
Clinical success stories—such as phage treatments saving patients with untreatable infections—have fueled interest in integrating phage therapy into mainstream medicine. While challenges remain, including regulatory approval and bacterial resistance to phages, ongoing research is addressing these hurdles. Bacteriophage therapy holds promise as a complementary or alternative approach to antibiotics, potentially revolutionizing how we treat persistent and life-threatening MDR infections in the future.
