Bacteriophages and Their Potential in Treating Infections and Enhancing Food Safety
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15611/nit.2024.40.11Keywords:
bacteriophages, phage therapy, antibiotic resistance, food safetyAbstract
Aim: Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, present a promising alternative in addressing the increasing problem of bacterial resistance to antibiotics. This study aims to review the current knowledge of bacteriophages, focusing on their structure, life cycles, and potential applications in medicine and the food industry.
Methodology: A systematic review of scientific literature was conducted to analyze the mechanisms of bacteriophage action, criteria for their selection in therapeutic applications, and existing challenges in their implementation. The study also examines the availability of phage libraries and the difficulties in establishing standardized phage therapy protocols.
Results: Bacteriophages demonstrate high specificity towards target bacteria, enabling precise pathogen elimination. However, the absence of publicly accessible phage libraries and the lack of standardized selection criteria for therapeutic phages remain key obstacles to the broader adoption of phage therapy.
Implications and recommendations: Future research should focus on optimizing bacteriophage isolation, characterization, and efficacy assessment in clinical settings. Additionally, expanding phage databases and establishing regulatory frameworks would enhance accessibility and standardization, facilitating the wider application of phage therapy.
Originality/value: This study underscores the potential of bacteriophages in modern medicine and biotechnology, identifying critical areas for further research that could support the successful implementation of phage therapy as a viable alternative to antibiotics.
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