Bacteriophages are known to operate through pathogen-specific mechanisms, making them promising antimicrobials distinct from broad-spectrum antibiotics. Therefore, bacteriophages have been tested against bacterial infections like urinary tract infections (UTIs). In a recent study, researchers modified phages to deliver effector gene and produce host-dependent colicin-like bacteriocins and cell wall hydrolases.
Using UTI as a model , the researchers successfully demonstrated the mechanism by which heterologous effector phage therapeutics (HEPTs) can suppress resistance and enhance uropathogenic clearance by dual phage- and effector-mediated targeting. The HEPTs produced effectors with cross-genus activity to manage polymicrobial uropathogenic populations. In addition, potential HEPT responder patients were identified using phage-based companion diagnostics, and their urine underwent ex…
