Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
8.7
4.6
Journals
Antibiotics
Special Issues
Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd...
share announcement

Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd Edition

A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Bacteriophages".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 6679

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Aneta Skaradzińska

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Chełmońskiego 37, 51-630 Wrocław, Poland
Interests: application of bacteriophages in human and veterinary medicine, development of the methods of working with phages; interactions of bacteriophages with bacterial and non-bacterial cells
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paulina Śliwka

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Biotechnology and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
Interests: bacteriophages

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last century, antibiotic therapy has become the most powerful weapon against bacterial infections. However, time for the universal application of these drugs seems to be running out. The number of new antibiotics being introduced to the market has been consistently decreasing and pharmaceutical companies have been reluctant to search for new products due to the high risk of failure. The diminishing potential of pharmacological treatment of bacterial infections is accompanied by an increasing number of antibiotic-resistant or, more broadly, drug-resistant strains. The inevitable need to search for and introduce new methods to combat bacterial infections is becoming unquestionable.

Bacteriophages have been used to treat bacterial infections almost since their discovery at the beginning of the 20th century. However, overshadowed by antibiotics, phage therapy has been marginalized for decades. Nowadays, with the rapidly growing number of drug-resistant bacterial strains, phage therapy is among the most promising alternatives to classical methods of treatment. Moreover, studies on bacterial viruses are not limited to human or veterinary medicine, but are increasingly reaching new fields of biotechnology.

Dr. Aneta Skaradzińska
Dr. Paulina Śliwka
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • bacteriophages
  • phage therapy
  • application of phages
  • antibiotic-resistance
  • antibacterial therapies

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 4687 KiB  
Article
The Ability of Bacteriophages to Reduce Biofilms Produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolated from Corneal Infections
by Kuma Diriba Urgeya, Dinesh Subedi, Naresh Kumar and Mark Willcox
Antibiotics 2025, 14(7), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070629 - 20 Jun 2025
Viewed by 768
Abstract
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a common antibiotic-resistant pathogen, posing significant public health threats worldwide. It is a major cause of ocular infections, mostly linked to contact lens wear. P. aeruginosa often produces biofilm during infections, and these are also associated [...] Read more.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) is a common antibiotic-resistant pathogen, posing significant public health threats worldwide. It is a major cause of ocular infections, mostly linked to contact lens wear. P. aeruginosa often produces biofilm during infections, and these are also associated with antibiotic resistance. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy is emerging as a promising approach for treating multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa. Objective: This study aimed to assess the antibiofilm effects of six phages against P. aeruginosa biofilms isolated from patients with corneal infections. Method: This study examined P. aeruginosa strains for their ability to form biofilms using crystal violet assay. Six P. aeruginosa bacteriophages (DiSu1 to DiSu6) were used, which were isolated from sewage water in Melbourne, Australia. Spot tests were used to assess phage sensitivity. The effect of phages against P. aeruginosa strains was determined using time–kill assay and efficiency of plating. The ability of phage to inhibit biofilm formation over 24 h or reduce preformed biofilms was also studied and confirmed using confocal laser scanning microscopy with Live/Dead staining. Result: After 24 h of incubation, all tested P. aeruginosa strains formed moderate to strong biofilms. All P. aeruginosa strains were sensitive to at least four of the six phages. The highest level of bacterial growth inhibition in the liquid infection model was observed when phages were applied at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 100. Certain bacteria/phage combinations were able to inhibit biofilm formation over 24 h, with the combination of strain PA235 and phage DiSu3 producing the highest inhibition (83%) at a MOI of 100. This was followed by the combinations of PA223/DiSu3 (56%), and PA225/DiSu5 (52%). For the reduction in preformed biofilms, the best combinations were PA235 (90%), PA221 (61%), and PA213 and PA225 (57% each), all with DiSu3 after 3 h. However, exposing the biofilm with phages for over 24 h appeared to promote phage resistance as there was evidence of biofilm growth, with the only combination still showing a significant reduction being PA221/DiSu3 (58%) at MOI of 100. Conclusions: This study showed that the effect of phages against P. aeruginosa is concentration (MOI) dependent. Phages at higher MOI have the ability to disrupt, inhibit, and reduce P. aeruginosa biofilms. However, prolonged exposure of the biofilm with phages appeared to promote phage resistance. To enhance phage efficacy and address this form of resistance, further studies utilizing phage cocktails or a combination of phages and antibiotics is warranted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 4568 KiB  
Article
Bacteriophage Therapy on an In Vitro Wound Model and Synergistic Effects in Combination with Beta-Lactam Antibiotics
by Guillermo Santamaría-Corral, John Jairo Aguilera-Correa, Jaime Esteban and Meritxell García-Quintanilla
Antibiotics 2024, 13(9), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13090800 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1730
Abstract
One of the primary opportunistic pathogens that can cause a wide range of diseases is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This microorganism can become resistant to practically every antibacterial currently in use, including beta-lactam antibiotics. Its ability to proliferate as biofilm has been linked to, [...] Read more.
One of the primary opportunistic pathogens that can cause a wide range of diseases is Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This microorganism can become resistant to practically every antibacterial currently in use, including beta-lactam antibiotics. Its ability to proliferate as biofilm has been linked to, among other things, the failure of antimicrobial therapies. Due to a variety of virulence factors and host immune system modifications, P. aeruginosa is one of the most significant and common bacteria that colonize wounds and burns. A novel therapeutic option for treating these multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial infections is the combination of antibiotics and bacteriophages. This approach has been linked to improved biofilm penetration, a decreased selection of antibiotic and bacteriophage resistance, and an enhanced antibacterial impact. Combining the F1Pa bacteriophage and beta-lactam antibiotics reduced the viability of the mature biofilm of MDR P. aeruginosa strains and suppressed bacterial growth in vitro. F1Pa critically reduced the amount of biofilm that MDR P. aeruginosa clinical strains formed in the in vitro wound model. These findings highlight the bacteriophage F1Pa’s therapeutic potential as a prophylactic topical treatment against MDR pseudomonal infections in wounds and burns. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2771 KiB  
Article
Precision Phage Cocktail Targeting Surface Appendages for Biocontrol of Salmonella in Cold-Stored Foods
by Seongok Kim, Bokyung Son, Hyeryen Kim, Hakdong Shin and Sangryeol Ryu
Antibiotics 2024, 13(9), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics13090799 - 24 Aug 2024
Viewed by 2172
Abstract
Salmonella enterica is a major food-borne pathogen causing food poisoning. The use of bacteriophages as alternative biocontrol agents has gained renewed interest due to the rising issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We isolated and characterized three phages targeting Salmonella: SPN3US, SPN3UB, and SPN10H. [...] Read more.
Salmonella enterica is a major food-borne pathogen causing food poisoning. The use of bacteriophages as alternative biocontrol agents has gained renewed interest due to the rising issue of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We isolated and characterized three phages targeting Salmonella: SPN3US, SPN3UB, and SPN10H. Morphological and genomic analyses revealed that they belong to the class Caudoviricetes. SPN3UB, SPN3US, and SPN10H specifically target bacterial surface molecules as receptors, including O-antigens of lipopolysaccharides, flagella, and BtuB, respectively. The phages exhibited a broad host range against Salmonella strains, highlighting their potential for use in a phage cocktail. Bacterial challenge assays demonstrated significant lytic activity of the phage cocktail consisting of the three phages against S. typhimurium UK1, effectively delaying the emergence of phage-resistant bacteria. The phage cocktail effectively reduced Salmonella contamination in foods, including milk and pork and chicken meats, during cold storage. These results indicate that a phage cocktail targeting different host receptors could serve as a promising antimicrobial strategy to control Salmonella. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

15 pages, 264 KiB  
Review
Current Applications and the Future of Phage Therapy for Periprosthetic Joint Infections
by Arian Ocean Abedi, Armita Armina Abedi, Tristan Ferry and Mustafa Citak
Antibiotics 2025, 14(6), 581; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14060581 - 6 Jun 2025
Viewed by 681
Abstract
Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) present significant challenges in orthopedic surgery, largely due to the complexity of treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Phage therapy, which utilizes bacteriophages to target bacterial pathogens, offers a promising supplement to traditional antimicrobial methods. This review discusses the current applications of [...] Read more.
Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) present significant challenges in orthopedic surgery, largely due to the complexity of treating antibiotic-resistant infections. Phage therapy, which utilizes bacteriophages to target bacterial pathogens, offers a promising supplement to traditional antimicrobial methods. This review discusses the current applications of phage therapy in the management of PJI, exploring its underlying mechanisms, clinical outcomes, and practical considerations. We also explore advances in phage therapy technology, including the development of phage cocktails, bioengineered phages, and combination therapies with antibiotics, which enhance the specificity and effectiveness of treatments. Furthermore, we address the future potential of phage therapy to be integrated into standard treatment protocols, focusing on ongoing innovations and research areas.The regulatory and ethical aspects of phage therapy in clinical settings are also discussed. By offering a comprehensive evaluation of both the current state and prospects of phage therapy, this review aims to inform clinical practice and stimulate further research into this innovative treatment modality for PJI management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd Edition)
18 pages, 690 KiB  
Review
Current Clinical Laboratory Challenges to Widespread Adoption of Phage Therapy in the United States
by Ahnika Kline, Ana G. Cobián Güemes, Jennifer Yore, Chandrabali Ghose, Daria Van Tyne, Katrine Whiteson and David T. Pride
Antibiotics 2025, 14(6), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14060553 - 29 May 2025
Viewed by 632
Abstract
The resurgence of phage therapy in Western societies has been in direct response to recent increases in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that have ravaged many societies. While phage therapy as a concept has been around for over 100 years, it has largely been replaced [...] Read more.
The resurgence of phage therapy in Western societies has been in direct response to recent increases in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) that have ravaged many societies. While phage therapy as a concept has been around for over 100 years, it has largely been replaced by antibiotics due to their relative ease of use and their predictability in spectrum of activity. Now that antibiotics have become less reliable due to greater antibiotic resistance and microbiome disruption, phage therapy has once again become a viable and promising alternative, but it is not without its challenges. Much like the development of antibiotics, with deployment of phage therapeutics there will be a simultaneous need for diagnostics in the clinical laboratory. This review provides an overview of current challenges to widespread adoption of phage therapy with a focus on adoption in the clinical diagnostic laboratory. Current barriers include a lack of standard methodology and quality controls for phage susceptibility testing and selection, the absence of phage-antibiotic synergy testing, and the absence of standard methods to assay phage activity on biofilms. Additionally, there are a number of lab-specific administrative and regulatory barriers to widespread phage therapy adoption including the need for pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) assays, methods to account for changes in phages after passaging, an absence of regulatory guidance on what will be required for agency approvals of phages and how broad that approval will apply, and the increased need for lab personnel or automation to account for the work of testing large phage libraries against bacteria isolates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bacteriophage Therapy a Renaissance Weapon Recent Developments and Application, 2nd Edition)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop