Bacteriophages: what role may they play in life after spinal cord injury?

Spinal Cord. 2021 Sep;59(9):967-970. doi: 10.1038/s41393-021-00636-2. Epub 2021 May 7.

Abstract

Bacterial infections are the leading cause of death in people with a spinal cord injury (SCI). Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that solely infect and kill bacteria. The idea of using phages to treat bacterial infections, i.e., phage therapy, is very promising and potentially allows a more specific and personalized treatment of bacterial infections than antibiotics. While multi-drug resistant infections affect individuals from the general population, alternative therapeutic options are especially warranted in high-risk populations, such as individuals with SCI. However, more clinical data must be collected before phage therapy can be implemented in clinical practice, with numerous possible, subsequent applications.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteria
  • Bacterial Infections*
  • Bacteriophages*
  • Humans
  • Phage Therapy*
  • Spinal Cord Injuries* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents