Naked Science Forum
Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: thedoc on 13/12/2016 01:23:02
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Rod Carter asked the Naked Scientists:
Is it possible to use bacteriophages as treatment for anti-biotic resistant bacteria pathogens? If so, do you know if anyone is researching in this area?
Rod Carter
MURRUMBATEMAN New South Wales Australia
What do you think?
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Yes, bacteriophages were used extensively in eastern Europe prior to the development of antibiotics.
They are very specific to a particular bacterium:
- good: they don't decimate your microbiome
- bad: you have to know exactly which strain of bacteria is eating you before you know exactly which bacteriophage(s) will control it
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phage_therapy