Biological challenges of phage therapy and proposed solutions: a literature review

Abstract

<div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="S1"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="title" id="d435903e134">Introduction</h5> <p id="P1">In light of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, phage (bacteriophage) therapy has been recognized as a potential alternative or addition to antibiotics for use in humans in Western medicine. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="S2"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="title" id="d435903e139">Areas covered</h5> <p id="P2">This review assessed the scientific literature on phage therapy published between January 1, 2007 and October 21, 2019, with a focus on successes and challenges of this prospective therapeutic. </p> </div><div class="section"> <a class="named-anchor" id="S3"> <!-- named anchor --> </a> <h5 class="title" id="d435903e144">Expert opinion</h5> <p id="P3">Efficacy has been shown in animal models and experimental findings suggest promise for safety of human phagotherapy. Significant challenges remain to be addressed prior to the standardization of phage therapy in the West, including the development of phage resistant bacteria; the pharmacokinetics of phage; and any potential human immune response incited by phagotherapy. </p> </div>