PHAGE THERAPY: THE USE OF BACTERIOPHAGES AGAINST INFECTIONS

Abstract

Phages are a kingdom of viruses that infect bacteria, and are distinct from the animal and plant viruses. Phages can have either a “lytic” or a “lysogenic” life cycle. After their discovery early in the 20^th century, phages were widely used to treat various bacterial diseases in people and animals. The worldwide increase of pathogenic bacteria resistant to antibiotics makes it an imperative to exploit alternative strategies to combat this threat. This review discusses the potential of phage therapy for detection and control pathogens.

KEYWORDS: Phage therapy, Pathogens, Bacteriophage, Antibiotic Resistance