Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Cells, Microbes & Viruses => Topic started by: thedoc on 13/12/2016 01:23:02

Title: Is it possible to use bacteriophages as treatment for anti-biotic resistant bacteria?
Post by: thedoc on 13/12/2016 01:23:02
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?
Title: Re: Is it possible to use bacteriophages as treatment for anti-biotic resistant bacteria?
Post by: evan_au on 13/12/2016 15:22:19
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