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- Talk
- 23/09/2021
- UK
Diagnostic Update: Phage Therapy, What is on the Horizon for MSK Infections?
Description
The presentation by Kordo Saeed, a consultant microbiologist at Southampton University Hospitals, focuses on the promising potential of phage therapy as an alternative treatment for musculoskeletal infections, particularly in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance. Saeed opens by acknowledging the challenges of microbiology in the current clinical landscape, especially concerning gram-negative infections and the ineffectiveness of traditional antibiotics against them. He highlights the significant issue of antimicrobial resistance across Europe, exemplified by the increasing prevalence of resistant bacterial strains such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella that are now affecting musculoskeletal infections, including prosthetic joint infections.
Saeed introduces bacteriophages—viruses that specifically target bacteria, thereby offering a unique therapeutic approach that avoids the issues associated with antibiotics. He discusses their advantages, including specificity, stability, rapid action, and minimal reported side effects. Bacteriophages can effectively eradicate bacteria in both planktonic and biofilm states, which is vital for treating prosthetic-related infections.
He reviews notable animal studies that showcase the efficacy of phage therapy, particularly emphasizing a study involving MRSA where combination therapy with antibiotics yielded better results in infection eradication. However, he notes the limitation of current research, primarily consisting of animal studies without adequate human clinical trials. Saeed briefly outlines various human applications of phage therapy in conditions like diabetic foot osteomyelitis and pelvic osteomyelitis, where positive outcomes have been reported.
Despite the potential, Saeed acknowledges the challenges in standardization of phage therapy applications, dosing, and delivery methods. He stresses the necessity of additional research to establish guidelines similar to those that exist for antibiotics. Saeed concludes by advocating for formal trials to investigate phage therapy and invites the audience to engage in ongoing discussions about bacteriophages and exploration of novel therapeutic approaches at the upcoming ORS meeting.