Bacteriophage Therapy: Current Strategies and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance represents a significant global health threat, demanding alternative treatments beyond traditional antibiotics. Phage therapy has resurged as a promising solution to address this challenge. This manuscript offers an in-depth examination of phage applications in clinical settings, encompassing the treatment of multidrug-resistant infections, prevention of hospital-acquired infections, and development of phage-based vaccines. Advanced strategies are explored, including phage-antibiotic synergy, biomaterial-enhanced delivery systems to improve phage stability, and the rational design of engineered phages to expand host range and optimize lytic efficacy. Additionally, the application of genetic engineering to broaden phage host ranges and convert temperate phages into lytic variants is discussed. In hospital infection prevention, phages demonstrate substantial potential, such as eliminating bacterial biofilms on medical devices, disinfecting environmental surfaces, and controlling waterborne pathogens in hospital water systems. Furthermore, phages offer a versatile platform for vaccine development, facilitating efficient antigen display and nucleic acid delivery. Despite progress, challenges persist in pharmacokinetics, standardized production, and regulatory approval. This review synthesizes recent preclinical and clinical developments, emphasizing the transformative potential of phage-based therapies while acknowledging the barriers to their clinical implementation.

Keywords: antimicrobial resistance; hospital‐acquired infections; phage therapy; phage‐based vaccines; phage–antibiotic synergy.