Bacteriophages: An Alternative to Combat Antibiotic Resistance?

Antibiotic resistance has become one of the largest pitfalls of modern medicine, and this has fueled the search for a safe and effective alternative. Of these alternatives, bacteriophage (phage) therapy has emerged as a potential option since it is capable of destroying pathogenic bacteria, without disrupting commensal bacterial populations. Although numerous studies have shown its efficacy in various conditions such as dysentery, sepsis, and meningitis, very little research has focused on its prospective usage to treat dermatological conditions. This review discusses the emerging phage therapy studies surrounding infections caused by Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae). Phage therapy shows major potential for future usage in the field of dermatology, yet further research must be performed to assure safety and efficacy in humans. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(12):1311-1315. doi:10.36849/JDD.6638.