Bacteriophage treatment as an alternative therapy for multidrug-resistant bacteria

Saudi Med J. 2023 Dec;44(12):1222-1231. doi: 10.15537/smj.2023.44.12.20230366.

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria constitute one of the most serious global health threats. The increasing incidence rate of bacterial infections caused by MDR strains and the decrease in the number of newly developed antibiotics have prompted the scientific community to search for alternatives. One such alternative is the use of bacteriophages. In this review, we discuss the most critical MDR organisms, including Acinetobacter baumanni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus The efficacy of phage therapy against MDR bacteria is also discussed. We included studies from the last 10 years that examined the efficacy of phage therapy against MDR pathogens. In addition, this review highlights the effect of bacteriophages against bacterial biofilms. The existing knowledge indicates that phage therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy against MDR bacteria. However, the adverse effects of phage therapy, such as toxicity, and the emergence of phage resistance have not yet been resolved.

Keywords: bacterial infections; bacteriophages; biofilms; multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria; phage therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteria
  • Bacterial Infections* / microbiology
  • Bacterial Infections* / therapy
  • Bacteriophages*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents