Phage Therapy for Respiratory Infections: Opportunities and Challenges. Journal Abstract

Phage Therapy for Respiratory Infections: Opportunities and Challenges.

Publication Date: 2024 Jun

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Authors

Arya Khosravi; Qingquan Chen; Arne Echterhof; Jonathan L Koff; Paul L Bollyky

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

We are entering the post-antibiotic era. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical problem in chronic lung infections resulting in progressive respiratory failure and increased mortality. In the absence of emerging novel antibiotics to counter AMR infections, bacteriophages (phages), viruses that infect bacteria, have become a promising option for chronic respiratory infections. However, while personalized phage therapy is associated with improved outcomes in individual cases, clinical trials demonstrating treatment efficacy are lacking, limiting the therapeutic potential of this approach for respiratory infections. In this review, we address the current state of phage therapy for managing chronic respiratory diseases. We then discuss how phage therapy may address major microbiologic obstacles which hinder disease resolution of chronic lung infections with current antibiotic-based treatment practices. Finally, we highlight the challenges that must be addressed for successful phage therapy clinical trials. Through this discussion, we hope to expand on the potential of phages as an adjuvant therapy in chronic lung infections, as well as the microbiologic challenges that need to be addressed for phage therapy to expand beyond personalized salvage therapy.

Source

Lung

Pub Types(s)

Journal Article

Language

English

PubMed ID

38772946