Combating Antimicrobial Resistance Through Bacteriophage Therapy: A Targeted Therapeutic Alternative

Abstract: The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to global public health, rendering conventional broad-spectrum antibiotics increasingly ineffective against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens. This review investigates the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a targeted therapeutic alternative to combat resistant infections. Unlike traditional antibiotics, which often disrupt the host’s commensal microflora, bacteriophages exhibit high specificity toward target bacterial strains. We examine the biological mechanisms of phage-host interactions, including the lytic cycle, and evaluate the advantages of utilizing phage cocktails over monotherapy to prevent the rapid development of phage resistance. Furthermore, the integration of computational tools and bioinformatics platforms— such as PHASTER—in identifying prophage sequences and optimizing therapeutic efficacy is discussed. While bacteriophage therapy presents a promising avenue for personalized medicine, challenges related to pharmacokinetics, bacterial resistance mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks must be addressed. Ultimately, this paper highlights the necessity of continued research and clinical trials to establish bacteriophage therapy as a safe and viable strategy in the modern management of AMR.