Description
In this presentation, Dr. Gina Suh discusses phage therapy, particularly its potential applications in treating periprosthetic joint infections (PJI). With a background in orthopedic infectious diseases, Dr. Suh emphasizes the growing concern over antimicrobial resistance and highlights the historical use of phages in Eastern Europe as a therapeutic alternative. She explains the mechanism of action of phages, detailing how these viruses target specific bacterial strains with high specificity, allowing for precise treatment without harming surrounding tissues. Dr. Suh shares compelling case studies from both Eastern Europe and recent cases in North America, including patients who saw significant improvements after being treated with phages, some of whom were facing dire outcomes. The presentation also touches on the challenges of implementing phage therapy in current medical practice, including the need for randomized control trials to assess efficacy and safety comprehensively. Dr. Suh concludes with a hopeful message about the future of phage therapy, advocating for its broader application in treating various infections while noting the need for robust scientific validation.
DOI: 10.1302/3114-210310