Bacteriophage therapy against multidrug resistant bacterial infections demonstrates clinical advances and engineering innovations between 2020–2026
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Purpose: The global crisis of antimicrobial resistance has reached critical levels, with multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens threatening to render conventional antibiotics ineffective. This mini review synthesizes recent evidence from 2020 to 2026 on bacteriophage therapy against MDR bacteria, examining clinical applications, engineering advances, mechanistic insights, and emerging technologies. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases, supplemented by PubMed, Google Scholar, and ArXiv searches, focusing on phage therapy for MDR bacterial infections published between 2020 and 2026. Results: Recent developments include expanded clinical experience through specialized phage centers, sophisticated genetic engineering techniques including CRISPR-based systems, successful compassionate-use programs, and innovative combination therapies with antibiotics. Clinical reports demonstrate safety and preliminary efficacy signals in selected refractory infections, though randomized controlled data remain limited. Engineering advances have produced phage-delivered CRISPR antimicrobials, hybrid delivery platforms, and synthetic phage particles that expand therapeutic capabilities. Conclusion: While challenges remain in regulatory standardization, scalable manufacturing, and resistance management, the field has demonstrated significant progress toward clinical translation. The convergence of synthetic biology, personalized medicine approaches, and growing clinical evidence positions phage therapy as a viable complementary strategy in the fight against MDR bacterial infections.
Source: Frontiers in Microbiology
Author: Ahmed J. Alzahrani
Institution: Imam Mohammad ibn Saud Islamic University
Language: English
Subfield: Virology
Field: Immunology and Microbiology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W7163672929