Why has the use of bacterial viruses to eliminate bacterial infections made a comeback?

The resurgence of interest in using bacteriophages, or bacterial viruses, to combat bacterial infections is primarily driven by the growing issue of antibiotic resistance. As bacteria evolve and develop mechanisms to resist the effects of antibiotics, traditional treatments become increasingly less effective, posing significant challenges in managing bacterial infections.

Bacteriophages offer a promising alternative because they specifically target and kill bacteria without affecting human cells or the beneficial microbiota. This targeted approach minimizes collateral damage often associated with broad-spectrum antibiotics. Additionally, phage therapy can be tailored to treat specific bacterial strains, providing a more precise treatment strategy.

While factors such as cost, recovery times, and prevention of viral infections are important in healthcare, they do not capture the central reason for the renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy. The urgent need to address the limitations of antibiotics due to resistance is the driving force behind exploring this innovative treatment option.