Fighting Pathogenic Bacteria on Two Fronts: Phages and Antibiotics as Combined Strategy.

ABSTRACT: With the emerging threat of infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria, phages have been reconsidered as an alternative for treating infections caused by tenacious pathogens. However, instead of replacing antibiotics, the combination of both types of antimicrobials can be superior over the use of single agents. Enhanced bacterial suppression, more efficient penetration into biofilms, and lowered chances for the emergence of phage resistance are the likely advantages of the combined strategy. While a number of studies have provided experimental evidence in support of this concept, negative interference between phages and antibiotics have been reported as well. Neutral effects have also been observed, but in those cases, combined approaches may still be important for at least hamperin

SUBMITTER: Tagliaferri TL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6387922 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature