Bacteriophages: The Viruses That Hunt Bacteria

What is it?

Bacteriophages (or “phages” for short” are viruses that hunt down and kill specific kinds of bacteria. They are the most common living things on Earth and play a big role in keeping bacteria populations in check. Additionally, bacteriophage, through phage therapy, can be used to treat diseases by killing off bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics.  

3 Things to Know

• In the U.S., phage therapy is usually only used when antibiotics have already failed.

• Phages can be used to treat sick animals and even crops, not just people.

• Phage therapy is about 100 years old, so it's not a new idea.

Fun Fact

Phage therapy used to be a more common source of treatment until it was overshadowed by antibiotics in the 1940s, which were easier to use and manufacture than phages. 

Current Research

How can scientists gather enough evidence to make phage therapy a regular treatment option, rather than a last resort?

Explore!

How Phage Therapy Fights Superbugs

Phage therapy: How Canadian doctor used century-old medicine to save dying husband from 'super bug' 

Phage Therapy Targeting Antibiotic-resistant Bacteria 

Phage therapy provides new hope for refractory and resistant bacterial infections 

Bacteriophages and their Use in Combating Antimicrobial Resistance