Bacteriophage therapy as a treatment option for transplant infections

Curr Opin Infect Dis. 2020 Aug;33(4):298-303. doi: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000658.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Since initial description of the successful use of intravenous bacteriophage therapy in the United States in 2017, there is widespread interest in using bacteriophage therapy for multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections.

Recent findings: Recent published cases of bacteriophage therapy in transplant candidates and recipients are reviewed highlighting its safety and potential efficacy when used as an adjunct to systemic antibiotics for a variety of clinical indications. An overview of access to bacteriophage therapy in the United States is also provided.

Summary: The reviewed cases form the basis for ongoing compassionate use of bacteriophage therapy in transplant candidates and recipients with life-threatening MDR infections until data from clinical trials are available to guide therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacterial Infections / epidemiology
  • Bacterial Infections / microbiology
  • Bacterial Infections / therapy*
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
  • Humans
  • Phage Therapy / methods*
  • Prevalence
  • Pseudomonas Infections / therapy
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Therapies, Investigational
  • Transplantation / adverse effects*
  • Transplantation / methods
  • United States

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents