Phage therapy

From WikiMD.com - Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Phagoburn)

Phage Therapy refers to the therapeutic use of bacteriophages, viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, to treat bacterial, eubacterial, or archaeal infections. This treatment is an alternative to antibiotics, especially in cases where bacteria have developed resistance.

Background[edit | edit source]

Phage therapy is based on the discovery of bacteriophages, first identified in the early 20th century. It was initially used before the advent of antibiotics but regained interest due to the rising issue of antibiotic resistance.

Mechanism of Action[edit | edit source]

Bacteriophages target specific bacteria, making them effective in combating bacterial infections without harming the host's natural flora. They attach to bacterial cells and inject their genetic material, leading to the replication of the phage and destruction of the bacterial cell.

Illustration of a bacteriophage attacking a bacterial cell.

Types of Phages in Therapy[edit | edit source]

Phage therapy can involve:

  • Lytic phages: Which cause the immediate lysis and death of the bacterial cell.
  • Temperate phages: Which can incorporate their DNA into the host cell and remain dormant.

Clinical Applications[edit | edit source]

Phage therapy has potential in various clinical settings, including:

  • Treating antibiotic-resistant infections.
  • Addressing infections in wounds or burns.
  • Treating gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria.

Advantages of Phage Therapy[edit | edit source]

The advantages include:

  • Specificity to target bacteria, reducing impact on beneficial microbes.
  • Ability to evolve alongside bacteria, potentially reducing resistance development.
  • Efficacy against antibiotic-resistant strains.

Challenges and Limitations[edit | edit source]

Challenges in phage therapy include:

  • Regulatory hurdles and lack of standardized protocols.
  • Potential for bacterial resistance to phages.
  • Limited knowledge about long-term effects.

Research and Development[edit | edit source]

Ongoing research in phage therapy focuses on identifying new phages, understanding phage-bacteria interactions, and developing effective phage cocktails.

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations[edit | edit source]

Regulatory frameworks are evolving to address the safe and ethical use of phage therapy, with a focus on clinical trials and safety evaluations.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


External Links[edit | edit source]

WHO Rod.svg
This article is a medical stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
PubMed
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections in NYC from $125 and up biweekly

W8mdlogo.png
W8MD weight loss doctors team

W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.

Why choose W8MD?

Book Your Appointment

Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia and visit Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.