Phages as potential life-saving therapeutic option in the treatment of multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections
Beata Zalewska-Pia̧tek, Michalina Nagórka
Abstract
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide and increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenges conventional antibiotic treatments. Phage therapy (PT) has emerged as a promising alternative due to its specificity, safety and efficacy against multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens causing infectious diseases. PT demonstrates significant potential in treating chronic and recurrent UTIs, also including catheter-associated infection by reducing bacterial biofilms, delaying catheter blockage, and enhancing antibiotic efficacy when used in combination. Clinical trials and case studies have reported high rates of bacterial eradication and symptom improvement with minimal side effects. Although endotoxin release and immune activation during treatment should continue to be investigated. The aim of this review is to present issues related to the use of phages in the treatment of UTIs of various etiological origins in selected patients, including those with comorbidities, taking into account the legal regulations, safety and effectiveness of this experimental therapy. The growing prevalence of MDR uropathogens highlights the urgent need for alternative therapies, such as those based on phages in order to treat antibiotic-resistant infections and improve patient outcomes. Despite the great potential of PT, its clinical implementation and use of phages as a routine treatment for bacterial infections requires rigorous trials, standardized production protocols and regulatory advancements.