Journal of Research in Microbiology and Immunology ISSN: 3108-0952 (Online)

Authors : Dr. Neha Kapoor, Rahul Sen

Abstract: The alarming rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria has compelled the scientific community to explore alternative therapeutics. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, have emerged as promising antibacterial agents capable of targeting multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Phage therapy exploits the natural lytic capabilities of phages to destroy pathogenic bacteria with high specificity, minimizing disruption to beneficial microbiota. This paper reviews phage biology, infection mechanisms, advantages over conventional antibiotics, clinical applications, and the challenges faced in therapeutic implementation. Advancements in genomics, synthetic biology, and phage engineering are enabling phage therapy to emerge as a critical strategy in the post-antibiotic era. With proper regulatory frameworks and clinical validation, bacteriophages have the potential to revolutionize the management of infectious diseases.

Keywords: Bacteriophage therapy, antibiotic resistance, phage biology, MDR pathogens, host specificity, phage engineering