Scientists Revive Century-Old Phage Therapy to Battle Deadly Superbugs
Ancient virus-based treatment resurfaces as a promising weapon against antibiotic resistance.
As the global threat of antibiotic-resistant superbugs intensifies, scientists are turning to a century-old medical approach—phage therapy—to combat infections that defy modern drugs. This innovative yet historical treatment, which employs bacteriophages (viruses that attack bacteria), is gaining renewed attention for its potential to address one of medicine’s most pressing challenges, according to a groundbreaking study published in Cell Reports.
Pioneered in the 1920s, phage therapy was a cornerstone of infection treatment before antibiotics became the standard. However, with bacteria increasingly evading conventional drugs, researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Melbourne are revisiting this technique. Their recent findings highlight phage therapy’s promise as a viable alternative to tackle antibiotic-resistant superbugs, offering hope for future medical breakthroughs.
The study, led by molecular biologist Debnath Ghosal from the University of Melbourne, focused on the bacterium Bacillus subtilis and its interactions with various phages. A key discovery revealed that the bacterial protein YjbH plays a critical role in defending against phage attacks, shedding light on resistance mechanisms. “Understanding the arms race between phages and bacteria not only deepens our knowledge of bacterial defenses but also opens the door to next-generation treatments,” Ghosal stated.
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Despite its potential, phage therapy faces hurdles, as bacteria can develop resistance to phages, much like they do to antibiotics. The research team emphasizes that unraveling these resistance mechanisms is essential for enhancing the therapy’s long-term efficacy. “With so many antibiotic-resistant infections emerging, after 100 years, it’s time to reconsider the benefits of phage therapy,” Ghosal added, advocating for its reactivation as a non-antibiotic solution.
As antibiotic resistance continues to claim lives and strain healthcare systems worldwide, the revival of phage therapy could mark a turning point. Ongoing research aims to refine this approach, positioning it as a critical tool in the fight against superbugs and heralding a new era in infectious disease management.
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