Bacteriophage therapy, which uses viruses that target specific bacterial pathogens, is being considered as a potential alternative to antibiotics, particularly for pediatric patients with multidrug-resistant infections.
This approach offers the advantage of targeting only the harmful bacteria, reducing the disruption to the child’s microbiome commonly seen with antibiotics. Bacteriophages can be applied topically or systemically, depending on the type and location of the infection. Research is focused on refining the use of bacteriophages for both acute and chronic infections in children, with ongoing work to address challenges such as selecting the appropriate phage for each infection and ensuring long-term effectiveness.
In this context, John S. Bradley from the University of California San Diego has contributed to the discussion of how bacteriophage therapy may complement traditional antibiotics and offer a more targeted approach to treating infections that are difficult to manage with standard treatments.
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