Bacteriophages

     "Bacteriophages are viruses that invade bacterial cells.  These phages disrupt bacterial metabolism and cause the bacterium to lyse, or destruct. Phage Therapy is the therapeutic use of lytic bacteriophages to treat pathogenic bacterial infections (http://www.phagetherapycenter.com/pii/PatientServlet?command=static_phagetherapy).

     We can compare the handy work of phages to antibiotics.  Phages kill bacteria.  This function harnesses a wide range of applications which could lead to being a better alternative to antibiotics.

     Phage therapy is also used to treat respiratory infections, such as pneumonia.

     There are different types of respiratory infections.  There are upper and lower body infections. 

     "Acute respiratory infections, ARIs, are classified as upper respiratory tract infections, URIs, or lower respiratory tract infections, LRIs. The upper respiratory tract consists of the airways from the nostrils to the vocal cords in the larynx.  This includes the paranasal sinuses and the middle ear. The lower respiratory tract covers the continuation of the airways from the trachea and bronchi to the bronchioles and the alveoli.

     Upper respiratory tract infection, URI, represents the most common acute illness evaluated in the outpatient setting. URIs range from the common cold—typically a mild, self-limited, catarrhal syndrome of the nasopharynx—to life-threatening illnesses such as epiglottitis (http://emedecine.medscape.com)."

     Phages are beneficial.  Phages do not harm the useful bacteria that live in and on the body.  They are harmless to human beings.   Phages multiply at the site of the infection until there are no more bacteria. Then, they are excreted. They're active against bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics.

     Individual components of phages, called lysins, can also be used as antibiotic substances.  Phages can be used for combating harmful bacteria in fattening animals and food.  Numerous animal experiments demonstrate the efficacy against different infections. The first studies on humans are taking place.

      Phages multiply as long as bacteria are present.  In some cases, it only takes a few phages in an inaccessible location in the body to bring about healing. It appears that phage therapy is best suited for infected sites such as wounds, where phages can be easily applied.

     Phages could take the place of antibiotics.