Bacteriophages against antibiotic resistant bacteria

Bacteriophage therapy, commonly referred to as phage therapy, offers a scientifically-grounded approach to address bacterial infections, especially in the context of rising antibiotic resistance. At its core, this therapy utilizes bacteriophages—naturally occurring viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria. Unlike antibiotics, which can affect a broad spectrum of bacteria including the beneficial ones, phages are remarkably precise, typically targeting only specific bacterial strains.

Research group type

Academy Project

Research group

Core fields of research

Basic natural phenomena and mathematical thinking

Research areas

Nanobiology

Nanoscience Center

Health and well-being (NSC)

Faculty

Faculty of Mathematics and Science

Department

Department of Biological and Environmental Science

Research group description

In the Ģ��ֱ��, we study phages that recognize plasmid-encoded features on bacterial cells. These can be pili, proteins responsible for initiating conjugation, or other components. In other words, these phages specifically infect only those bacteria that harbour plasmids, which also host antibiotic resistance genes. Therefore, plasmid-dependent phages provide a mean to attack antibiotic resistant bacteria in those cases where the resistance in encoded from a plasmid.

Our focus is both in on understanding the basic interactions between bacteria and their viruses as well as on developing real applications for the phage-therapy field. We have a spin-out company to utilize some of the tools and IP that were initially developed for basic research.

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