The virus has the ability to attack the common multi-drug resistant organism Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause deadly infections in humans, according to Paul Turner, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at Yale.
“We have been looking for natural products that are useful in combating important pathogens,” said Dr. Turner. “What’s neat about this virus is it binds to something the organism needs to become pathogenic, and backs it into an evolutionary corner such that it becomes more sensitive to currently failing antibiotics.”
Ultimately, the researchers believe the bacteriophage can be used with antibiotics to treat patients with severe burns, surgical wounds, cystic fibrosis and other immune system-compromising conditions.
Click here to read the full study in Scientific Reports.
More articles on drug resistance:
NQF, CDC release practical antibiotic stewardship playbook: 6 things to know
Harvard team publishes plan for discovering new antibiotics, combating resistance
How 7 hospitals approach antibiotic stewardship
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.