Belgian-led study shows 77.2% of patients improved using personalised bacteriophage therapy
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Biotechnology & health research· Prelims + Mains·
Bacteriophage therapy as a solution to Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a key GS3 Science & Technology topic.
Why in news
A Belgian-led research consortium reported that 77.2% of patients showed improvement using personalised bacteriophage therapy
Background
The German Society for Infectious Diseases led an international team to develop the first coordinated clinical guidelines for personalised bacteriophage therapy. The guidelines, published in Nature Medicine, contain over 60 recommendations for using viruses to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TBacteriophage therapy: Uses viruses (bacteriophages) to target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- FactA Belgian-led study reported a 77.2% improvement rate in patients treated with personalised bacteriophage therapy.
- BodyGerman Society for Infectious Diseases: Led the international team to develop the first coordinated clinical guidelines for bacteriophage therapy.
Prelims practice question
With reference to bacteriophage therapy, consider the following statements:
- A Belgian-led study reported a 77.2% improvement rate in patients using personalised therapy.
- Bacteriophages are viruses used to target and kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- The German Society for Infectious Diseases led the team to develop the first coordinated clinical guidelines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)3 only
- (b)1 and 2 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3 — Statements 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
For Mains
Q. Discuss the potential of bacteriophage therapy as a viable solution to the global crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Regulatory hurdle: Lack of standardized clinical protocols for personalized viral therapies
- Safety concerns: Potential for unintended host immune responses or horizontal gene transfer
- Economic barrier: High costs of personalized phage selection vs mass-produced antibiotics
Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance · Bacteriophage Therapy · Personalised Medicine · Clinical Guidelines · Infectious Diseases
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