Advances in bacteriophage-mediated strategies for combating polymicrobial biofilms

Advances in bacteriophage-mediated strategies for combating polymicrobial biofilms

05 January 2024 | Marta Gliźniewicz, Dominika Mitek, Patrycja Olszewska, Artur Czajkowski, Natalia Serwin, Elżbieta Cecerska-Heryć, Barbara Dotęgowska and Barttomiej Grygorczewicz
The article "Advances in Bacteriophage-Mediated Strategies for Combating Polymicrobial Biofilms" by Marta Glizniewicz et al. reviews the current state and potential of bacteriophage therapy in addressing polymicrobial biofilms. Biofilms are complex microbial communities that form on surfaces, offering protection from antibiotics and immune systems. They are challenging to eradicate due to their protective matrix and the ability of bacteria to communicate and coordinate their activities. The article highlights the mechanisms of biofilm formation, the role of quorum sensing, and the challenges posed by multi-species biofilms, which can lead to chronic infections and increased antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and have been explored as a potential solution to combat biofilms. Phages can lyse bacterial cells, degrade extracellular matrix components, and stimulate the production of enzymes that break down biofilm structures. The article discusses the advantages of phage therapy, including host specificity, rapid clearance, and the ability to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, it also addresses the limitations, such as phage resistance, difficulty in reaching target bacteria, and the need for optimized dosing and administration. The article reviews various strategies for enhancing phage performance, including combining phages with antibiotics, nanoparticles, and other antimicrobial agents. It also explores the use of phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) and the potential of modified phages to improve biofilm penetration and efficacy. Examples of successful clinical trials and case studies are provided, demonstrating the effectiveness of phage therapy in treating polymicrobial infections, particularly in chronic and difficult-to-treat cases. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a promising approach to combat polymicrobial biofilms, highlighting the need for further research and development to optimize its use in clinical settings.The article "Advances in Bacteriophage-Mediated Strategies for Combating Polymicrobial Biofilms" by Marta Glizniewicz et al. reviews the current state and potential of bacteriophage therapy in addressing polymicrobial biofilms. Biofilms are complex microbial communities that form on surfaces, offering protection from antibiotics and immune systems. They are challenging to eradicate due to their protective matrix and the ability of bacteria to communicate and coordinate their activities. The article highlights the mechanisms of biofilm formation, the role of quorum sensing, and the challenges posed by multi-species biofilms, which can lead to chronic infections and increased antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect bacteria and have been explored as a potential solution to combat biofilms. Phages can lyse bacterial cells, degrade extracellular matrix components, and stimulate the production of enzymes that break down biofilm structures. The article discusses the advantages of phage therapy, including host specificity, rapid clearance, and the ability to target antibiotic-resistant bacteria. However, it also addresses the limitations, such as phage resistance, difficulty in reaching target bacteria, and the need for optimized dosing and administration. The article reviews various strategies for enhancing phage performance, including combining phages with antibiotics, nanoparticles, and other antimicrobial agents. It also explores the use of phage-antibiotic synergy (PAS) and the potential of modified phages to improve biofilm penetration and efficacy. Examples of successful clinical trials and case studies are provided, demonstrating the effectiveness of phage therapy in treating polymicrobial infections, particularly in chronic and difficult-to-treat cases. In conclusion, the article emphasizes the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a promising approach to combat polymicrobial biofilms, highlighting the need for further research and development to optimize its use in clinical settings.
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