Viruses for health: Bacteriophages

Abstract

Bacteriophages are naturally occurring viruses that specifically target bacteria. They are widely distributed in the environment. The concept of phage therapy is to isolate phages, characterize them, cultivate them and then purify them to treat bacterial infections. There is currently a revival of phage therapy, and its implementation presupposes the availability of active phages of pharmaceutical quality. From a regulatory point of view, the status of phages is not yet clearly defined by the authorities. The availability of phages produced by the pharmaceutical industry and through academic development programs such as the PHAGEinLYON program represents a breakthrough in the development of phage therapy. Prosthetic joint infections and digestive diseases seem to be relevant indications, but preclinical studies and randomized clinical trials are now needed to be done.