Bacteriophage Therapy: A Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance
Date
2023-05
Authors
Gindt, Alexander
Major Professor
Greenlee, Heather
Advisor
Committee Member
Zhang, Qijing
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Abstract
Bacteriophages, or phages, are abundant viruses that specifically target bacteria and have been investigated for over a century as potential antibiotic substitutes. Despite initial success in treating various infections, the introduction of antibiotics led to a decline in phage therapy interest. However, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has prompted a renewed focus on phage therapy. This literature review discusses the process of isolating and administering phages for therapeutic use, including the challenges of large-scale production, purification, and storage. Presented are two case studies: one showcasing the effectiveness of phage therapy in treating a severe systemic infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus, and another describing the successful treatment of a limb-threatening prosthetic knee infection caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae. Despite the promising results, the challenges and limitations of phage therapy, such as the need for personalized medicine, public unfamiliarity, and potential misconceptions are also highlighted. As research and development in phage therapy continue to advance, we may see a broader adoption of this approach in the future, providing a valuable tool in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
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creative component
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2023