Advancing Phage Therapy: A Comprehensive Review of the Safety, Efficacy, and Future Prospects for the Targeted Treatment of Bacterial Infections
Abstract
Background: Phage therapy, a treatment utilizing bacteriophages to combat bacterial infections, is gaining attention as a promising alternative to antibiotics, particularly for managing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This study aims to provide a comprehensive review of phage therapy by examining its safety, efficacy, influencing factors, future prospects, and regulatory considerations. The study also seeks to identify strategies for optimizing its application and to propose a systematic framework for its clinical implementation.
Methods: A comprehensive analysis of preclinical studies, clinical trials, and regulatory frameworks was undertaken to evaluate the therapeutic potential of phage therapy. This included an in-depth assessment of key factors influencing clinical outcomes, such as infection site, phage-host specificity, bacterial burden, and immune response. Additionally, innovative strategies-such as combination therapies, bioengineered phages, and phage cocktails-were explored to enhance efficacy. Critical considerations related to dosing, including inoculum size, multiplicity of infection, therapeutic windows, and personalized medicine approaches, were also examined to optimize treatment outcomes.
Results: Phage therapy has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in both preclinical and clinical settings, with minimal adverse effects. Its ability to specifically target harmful bacteria while preserving beneficial microbiota underpins its efficacy in treating a range…
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