Revolutionising infection control: building the next generation of phage banks

Abstract

The escalating global burden of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a critical public health challenge. This rise in antibiotic resistance is concomitant with heightened antibiotic consumption, with an estimated annual usage of 100,000 to 200,000 tons. A recent systematic review, which analysed data from 204 countries, reported that AMR was responsible for 4.95 million deaths in 2019 (Murray et al., 2022). The growing threat of AMR is imposing a significant financial burden on the global economy, with the CDC reporting an additional annual cost of $20 billion in the U.S. and €9 billion in Europe. The emerging field of bacteriophage therapy offers promising potential as a game-changer in the era of AMR. However, existing literature reveals numerous research gaps and technological challenges, including insufficient information on phage pharmacology, genomics, and a lack of preclinical and clinical data. In addition to conducting further research to address existing knowledge gaps, establishing phage banks in clinical facilities could be a transformative advancement in the fight against AMR.