bacteriophagy

BACTERIOPHAGY
Bacteriophagy refers to the use of bacteriophages (viruses that infect and kill bacteria) to treat bacterial infections. Bacteriophages are natural predators of bacteria and are found abundantly in various environments, including soil, water, and even in the human body. Phages are highly specific in their ability to target and infect specific strains or species of bacteria. They attach to the surface of bacteria, inject their genetic material into the bacterial cell, and take control of the host machinery, ultimately leading to the destruction of the bacteria. This targeted approach is one of the advantages of phage therapy as it can potentially minimize damage to the body's beneficial bacteria, known as the microbiota.
Phage therapy has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century, but it fell out of favor in many parts of the world with the discovery and development of antibiotics. However, due to the rise of antibiotic resistance and the limitations of conventional antibiotics, there has been renewed interest in phage therapy as a potential alternative or complementary treatment option. Phage therapy has been used primarily in experimental and compassionate cases, where other treatment options have failed. It has shown promising results in treating bacterial infections, including those caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, there are still challenges to overcome, such as the need for careful selection and characterization of phages, understanding their interactions with the human immune system, and ensuring the safety and efficacy of phage preparations.
Synonym = phagotherapy, phage therapy