Scientists have taken steps to utilise viruses against antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the human body. In this case, the bacterium is Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause severe ear infections. The virus comes in the form of Biophage-PA, which has been shown to consume P. aeruginosa, breaking down the biofilm that it surrounds itself with. It can do this without destroying useful bacteria in the ear. The idea of genetically engineered viruses was mentioned in New Scientest back in 2001 by Mark Schrope, who says that phages have been used so treat conditions in plants and animals since the 1920s.
Andrew Wright of University College London Ear Institute and his colleagues conducted a blind trial using Biophage-PA on twenty-four subjects. There was a ‘significant reduction’ in the group that was given the phage and no reduction in the group that was given the placebo, though other signs of improvement were noted (the power of the mind!). By the end of the trial, three patients being treated with Biophage-PA showed no signs of infection.
The most exciting aspect of this new research is the sheer scope of possibility that it opens up for research in the area of antibiotic resistance.
Andrew Wright of University College London Ear Institute and his colleagues conducted a blind trial using Biophage-PA on twenty-four subjects. There was a ‘significant reduction’ in the group that was given the phage and no reduction in the group that was given the placebo, though other signs of improvement were noted (the power of the mind!). By the end of the trial, three patients being treated with Biophage-PA showed no signs of infection.
The most exciting aspect of this new research is the sheer scope of possibility that it opens up for research in the area of antibiotic resistance.
by Jay Nagle-Runciman
Sources
