Phage Therapy

Facts for Prelims

Phage Therapy

News: A study conducted by the University of Exeter shows that the public is aware of and accepts the use of bacteria-killing viruses, known as phage therapy, as an alternative to antibiotics.

About:
 It is a treatment approach that uses bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and kill specific bacteria. The method involves using these viruses to target and destroy bacterial infections, serving as an alternative to antibiotics.
 Phages are highly specific in their action, targeting only the specific bacteria they are programmed to attack. It can potentially reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.

About Bacteriophages:
 A bacteriophage, or phage for short, is a virus that infects bacteria. Like other types of viruses, bacteriophages vary a lot in their shape and genetic material.