Can you use a disease to fight another disease?

Yes, in a concept called phage therapy, viruses can be used to fight bacterial infections. Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria. They have been studied for over a century as a potential alternative to antibiotics, as bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics but not to their specific phages.

Using phages to target specific bacteria allows for more precise treatment, reducing the risk of harming beneficial bacteria and promoting the development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Some advantages of phage therapy include:

Specificity: Each phage targets a specific type of bacteria, allowing for precise elimination without affecting other microbes or the patient's gut microbiota.

Rapid action: Phages can quickly infect and kill their target bacteria within minutes, leading to fast symptom relief.

Evolutionary adaptation: Phages can coevolve with bacteria, continually adapting to counter any attempts by the bacteria to develop resistance.

Limited host range: Phages primarily infect bacteria, ensuring minimal risk of adverse effects on human cells or other animal species.

Combination therapy: Phages can be used in combination with other antimicrobials, such as antibiotics, to enhance their effectiveness.

Clinical studies have shown promising results for phage therapy in various bacterial infections, including skin and wound infections, gastrointestinal infections, respiratory infections, and even antibiotic-resistant infections. Further research is necessary to thoroughly understand phage biology, assess their long-term effects, and develop standardized approaches for safe and effective phage therapy.