Bacteriophage and its application in ocular diseases

Abstract

Phage (bacteriophage) is a kind of viruses which can infect bacteria, actinomyces and spirochetes.The phage can only reproduced by host bacteria instead of living independently.The process of phage reproduction is also the process of sterilization.Nowadays, the post-antibiotic era that leading by global rise in bacterial resistance, urges scientists to explore alternative therapies for antibiotics.The phage therapy has attracted the attention of researchers.Several researchers has successfully treated bacterial keratitis, endophthalmitis and conjunctivitis by using bacteriophage and phage lyzyme.Phage not only kills pathogenic bacteria, but also maintains the structural integrity of eye.This article reviewed the phage structure and classification, the process of its discovery and development, the bactericidal mechanism of phage, its application and therapeutic characteristics in the treatment of ophthalmological diseases. Key words: Bacteriophages; Phage therapy; Drug-resistant bacteria; Ocular infectious diseases