Phage Therapy: Tackling Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria

Researchers have devised a new strategy to tackle drug-resistant bacterial infections using bacteriophages, which are viruses that target bacteria. A study from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME) and UChicago Medicine revealed that a blend of these phages can effectively treat antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections in mice.

The research highlighted the complex interactions between phages and bacteria. Phages that appeared effective in laboratory settings did not always yield the same results in live animals. Both phages and bacteria can evolve, leading to situations where phages improve their ability to kill bacteria while some bacteria develop resistance against the phages.

Mark Mimee, the lead author of the study published in Cell Host & Microbe, remains optimistic about the use of phages for treating drug-resistant bacteria like Klebsiella. He pointed out that phages act like living, evolving antibiotics, adding a layer of complexity to their therapeutic application.

Klebsiella pneumoniae are generally harmless bacteria found in the intestines but can cause serious infections if they spread to other areas of the body. These bacteria are often transmitted in hospitals, and drug-resistant strains have become increasingly common.

Dr. Sandra Valaitis, a co-author of the study and urogynecologist at UChicago Medicine, emphasized the urgent need for new treatment options for patients suffering from recurring urinary tract infections caused by Klebsiella, as many strains are resistant to oral antibiotics.

The study involved scientist Ella Rotman, who screened wastewater for phages capable of attacking various Klebsiella strains. The researchers identified dozens of phages that could effectively kill some strains and analyzed the genetic traits that made the bacteria vulnerable.

From their findings, Rotman and her team developed a phage cocktail targeting different bacterial components. This mixture increased the likelihood of immune system attacks on antibiotic-resistant Klebsiella and, in some cases, made the bacteria more susceptible to antibiotics. However, in other cases, resistance increased after treatment. The researchers aim to further explore these dynamics and seek FDA approval for a clinical trial testing the phage mixture in urinary tract infection patients.