Phage Therapy and Phage Biocontrol – between Science, Real Application and Regulation

The increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is considered a “silent epidemic”, globally, and requires urgent action in the development of new effective treatments for severe bacterial diseases. Regarding this, one of the most promising approaches, that is gaining favor both in the scientific community and in the real world of applied medicine is the use of phages, the naturally occurring killers of bacteria, as supplements or substitutes for traditional disease therapies. The possible ways of application of phages in the combat with resistant bacteria are quite diverse: as integrated plant protection strategies in agriculture and as substitutes for chemical pesticides, in food safety, in aquatic systems, and animal and human healthcare. However, certain challenges shall be highlighted in terms of the advancement of studies on the potential of phages, as well as the regulatory framework controlling the manufacture and implementation of phage-based products. Moreover, the general understanding of the use of bacteriophages as antibacterial agents needs further clarification among the public. Thus, it is crucial to promote phage research, particularly in nations with little or no experience with phage studies as therapeutic agents. In this regard, in light of the new opportunities in the fight against multidrug-resistant bacteria, this review aims to take a look at the phages, the natural killers of bacteria.