Bacteriophage Therapy as a Novel Strategy Against Antimicrobial Resistance in China: A Comprehensive Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33687/ricosbiol.04.02.107Keywords:
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), Bacteriophage Therapy, China, Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria, Phage Cocktails, Personalized Medicine, Alternative Therapeutics, Clinical TrialsAbstract
The rapid escalation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical threat to global public health, rendering first-line antibiotics ineffective and jeopardizing modern medical practices. In China, the high burden of bacterial infections coupled with significant antibiotic misuse has created a pressing need for alternative therapeutic agents. Bacteriophage (phage) therapy, which utilizes viruses to specifically infect and lyse pathogenic bacteria, has re-emerged as a promising complementary or alternative approach to traditional antibiotics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current state of phage therapy research, development, and application within China. We outline the fundamental biology of phages and their mechanisms of action against multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. The review systematically examines China's AMR landscape, the historical and contemporary efforts in phage discovery and biobank construction, and the progress in preclinical and clinical applications. We highlight significant case studies, including compassionate use and clinical trials for infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Furthermore, we discuss the unique regulatory challenges, manufacturing hurdles, and scientific obstacles (e.g., phage resistance, narrow host range) that must be addressed. Finally, we explore future directions, including the engineering of phage cocktails and lysins, synergy with antibiotics, and the integration of phage therapy into China's national action plan on AMR. The synthesis of evidence indicates that while phage therapy is still in a developmental phase in China, it holds immense potential as a precise, adaptable tool in the ongoing battle against AMR, warranting accelerated investment and structured translational research.
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