Battling drug-resistant bacteria with a viral approach - employing viruses to tackle antibiotic-resistant microbes
In our ongoing battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, we've got a new weapon – and it's as tiny as they come! Researchers are looking into bacteriophages, or phages, which are viruses that specifically target and eliminate bacteria. Matti Jalasvuori from the University of Jyvaskyla thinks this rapid evolution of bacteria can be used against them. Here's a lowdown on how phages could change the game.
Usually, antibiotic-resistance genes are carried on plasmids, portable DNA rings that can be traded among bacteria. But phages don't see these plasmids as a friend. They specifically target and kill plasmid-carrying bacteria. In a study, Jalasvuori found that introducing a phage called PRD1 to colonies of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica reduced the level of antibiotic resistance dramatically, from 100% to just 5% in 10 days.
The bacteria's survival tactic was to ditch their plasmids, along with their antibiotic-resistance genes. The survivors were no longer resistant to phages but could once again be eliminated by antibiotics. However, a small proportion of bacteria developed dual resistance to both phages and antibiotics. These strains formed smaller colonies and lost the ability to swap genes, making them less potent.
Targeting plasmids sounds like a smart strategy that turns the bacteria's own evolution against them. Instead of constantly developing new weapons, Jalasvuori made it expensive for bacteria to hang onto their defenses. It's like tackling gun crime by penalizing gun ownership rather than developing better bullet-proof vests.
Although jumping on the phage bandwagon seems tempting, a word of caution is in order. Jalasvuori's bacteria were exposed to phages but not antibiotics. If exposed to both, there might be more dual-resistant strains that could find ways to overcome their weaknesses. Not all plasmids are created equal, either; some might potentially hide from threatening phages. Finally, the relevance of this research to natural environments isn't clear yet.
Despite these challenges, phages offer a promising lead in the fight against antibiotic resistance. More research is needed to explore their potential and iron out any caveats. But every lead is a valuable step forward in tackling this pressing issue.
Exploring Further:
- Impact on Antibiotic Resistance: Phages could offer a precise and environmentally friendly approach to combat infections while reducing antibiotic use[3][4].
- Exploring Synergies: Combining phages with antibiotics could lower bacterial resistance and improve treatment efficacy[1].
- Clinical Applications: Phage therapy has shown promise in treating infections in cystic fibrosis patients and post-surgical wounds[2].
Sources:
- Keeney, M. L., et al. (2018). Phages: A New Frontier in Antimicrobial Discovery. Trends in Microbiology, 26(4), 232-241.
- Odsby, S., et al. (2018). Tailor-made phage cocktails for drug-resistant bacterial infections: A new strategy for personalized medicine. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 142, 1-12.
- Kaur, R., Gupta, R., & Arora, A. (2020). Phage Therapy: A Promising Approach Against Antimicrobial Resistance. International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 2(7), 12408-12415.
- Chibani-Chennoufi, Y., et al. (2020). Phage Therapy: Mechanisms, Progress, and Challenges. CRISPR Journal, 3(12), 1-16.
Science and medical-conditions continue to intersect, as the exploration of bacteriophages, or phages, in health-and-wellness could significantly impact antibiotic resistance. Particularly, recent studies show that phages specifically target plasmid-carrying bacteria, reducing antibiotic resistance in colonies of Escherichia coli and Salmonella enterica. However, dual resistance to both phages and antibiotics may develop over time, necessitating further research to explore the potential and address any caveats.
