Bacteriophage Therapy in GIT Infections – A Clinical Review

Abstract

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has become a significant problem in the world. One alternative strategy to fight against AMR is bacteriophage therapy, which utilizes bacteria-specific viruses to kill them. Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infections are prevalent worldwide, affecting a significant portion of the population. AMR has developed several antibiotics used against GIT infections.  Hence, bacteriophage therapy is a potential alternative. Phages attack the bacteria stepwise, including adsorption, penetration, genome injection, replication, assembly, and release from the host cell. Numerous studies on phage therapy in animals and humans for GIT infections have been conducted, and its effectiveness has been established. This article will review the use of phages in treating GIT infections and would cover clinical studies, safety and regulatory requirements, and future perspectives of phage therapy.