What is the Origin of Bacteriophage Therapy?

The term is a compound of 'bacteriophage,' meaning 'bacteria eater' from Greek, and 'therapy,' indicating its medical application. Bacteriophages were independently discovered in the early 20th century, and their clinical use developed primarily in Eastern Europe before modern antibiotic widespread use. Renewed global interest in phage therapy is driven by the escalating crisis of antibiotic resistance and the need for precision microbial control.

What is the Mechanism of Bacteriophage Therapy?

The bacteriophage operates through a lytic cycle, where it recognizes and binds to highly specific receptors on the bacterial surface before injecting its genetic material. The phage then hijacks the bacterial cell's machinery to rapidly replicate, ultimately causing the bacterium to rupture and release new phages, effectively eliminating the targeted pathogenic strain. This selective lytic action minimizes disruption to the beneficial commensal flora, which is essential for maintaining gut barrier integrity and balanced endocrine signaling.

Bacteriophage Therapy ∞ Area

Bacteriophage Therapy

Meaning

Bacteriophage Therapy is a targeted clinical strategy that employs bacteriophages, which are viruses naturally designed to infect and destroy specific bacteria. This approach serves as a promising alternative for treating bacterial infections, particularly those demonstrating multi-drug resistance to conventional antibiotics. In the context of wellness, it offers a precise method for modulating the gut microbiome composition and addressing dysbiosis that impacts the gut-hormone axis.