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Which disease can be cured by bacteriophage?
To give but a few examples, phages have been reported to be effective in treating staphylococcal lung infections (22, 33), P. aeruginosa infections in cystic fibrosis patients (50), eye infections (43), neonatal sepsis (38), urinary tract infections (40), and surgical wound infections (39, 41).
Can bacteriophages treat viral infections?
Specifically, a type of friendly virus called bacteriophage (sometimes referred to as just phage) can be weaponized to fight even the most difficult bacterial infections. This works because, unlike viruses that make us sick, phages can only infect bacteria—and they are even selective about which bacteria they target.
Can bacteriophages be used instead of antibiotics?
Phages are also an inherent part of the human microbiome, and so are usually well-tolerated when used in phage therapy [4,5,6]. Phages are one of the most promising alternatives to antibiotics, which can be used for medicine, agriculture, and related fields [7].
Where can you get phage therapy?
If you’re unable to travel or would like to pursue phage therapy at your local medical center: You’ll need to find a doctor who is willing to provide phage therapy (this should be done by first speaking with your own family physician or infectious disease specialist).
Are bacteriophages useful treatment for superbug infections?
Antibiotic resistant bacteria are a growing threat, causing deadly infections that cannot be cured by our standard antibiotics.
How are bacteriophages used in medicine?
Phages work against both treatable and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They may be used alone or with antibiotics and other drugs. Phages multiply and increase in number by themselves during treatment (only one dose may be needed). They only slightly disturb normal “good” bacteria in the body.
Where can I buy phage therapy?
Why is phage therapy not used in the US?
Phage therapy isn’t yet approved for people in the United States or in Europe. There has been experimental phage use in a few rare cases only. One reason for this is because antibiotics are more easily available and are considered to be safer to use.
What diseases can bacteriophage cause?
They found that more than 2000 specific bacteriophages were associated strongly with various human chronic diseases, particularly Parkinson disease and obesity. Many of the viral sequences were integrated into the human chromosomal DNA or in circular episomes.
How could bacteriophages be used in medicine?
Phage therapy is the use of bacteriophages to treat bacterial infections. This could be used as an alternative to antibiotics when bacteria develop resistance. Superbugs that are immune to multiple types of drugs are becoming a concern with the more frequent use of antibiotics.
How do I get phage therapy?
How much do bacteriophages cost?
The Phage Therapy Center in Georgia offers treatment to patients all around the world for about $3,000-$5,000, depending on the treatment. This cost, however, does not include travel, lodging, or additional expenses for tests on bacterial samples.
How do you get rid of bacteriophages?
Elimination of phage phage is. Inside the laminar flow hood should give zero plaques after a few hours of being left open in there. If you puff air from pipettes onto plates, you will probably find the current source of the phage – these can then be dismantled and cleaned/sterilised.