THE BACTERIOPHAGE- THE FUTURE OF ANTIBIOTICS I TARA

When we think of the deadliest beings on planet earth, our mind often turns to black mambas, box jellyfish or even to spiders. But these seemingly sinister creatures are put to shame by another being that has been in constant battle for billions of years, killing trillions along the way. The bacteriophage (phage for short). These creatures have been described as the ‘single most deadly entity on planet earth.’ It takes more than sharp teeth to garner that title. So let’s delve into these creatures and discover the irreplaceable damage they cause and how they are the future of antibiotics…

A phage is a bit like a virus; not alive, not dead and looks like something out of a sci-fi fantasy. It has a head shaped like an icosahedron and a long tail branching down to leg-like fibres. There are more phages than every other organism combined (including bacteria). They are covering you, your eyelids, that cold mug of coffee by your side and all other living organisms on our planet. But, panic not.

Though these creatures may seem like uncontrollable serial killers, they only kill bacteria. For example, 40% of ocean bacteria are killed by phages. They start off by injecting their genetic material into the bacteria, and then the ‘phage apocalypse’ begins. The phages take over the bacteria, forcing them to create parts of itself until the bacteria becomes so full it bursts, releasing the phages, and dies. A gruesome end, but one that can save our lives.

You may be wondering, how on earth are we going to use phages as the future of antibiotics? Well, the truth is, us human beings, we need a new solution. Bacteria are slowly but surely becoming immune to antibiotics. Transforming into a deadly creature known as the SUPERBUG. It is predicted that by 2050, more people will be killed by SUPERBUGS than by cancer. In 2017, indestructible bacteria in the USA killed a staggering 23,000 people. Remember the time where the tiniest cuts could kill you? Well those days are at our doorstep, and the SUPERBUG will be responsible. Where can a solution to stop SUPERBUGS and to protect you and your family possibly come from? Just say hello to your tiny bacteria-killing friends, phages.

To solve our desperation, we have come up with a solution. Antibiotics just aren’t doing the trick. So, how about we try to inject millions of phases into our body? You may be thinking, how on earth can injecting millions of viruses cure our illnesses? Phages are very specialised viruses. They are often referred to as cruise missiles. This is because of their ability to only target harmful bacteria (unlike antibiotics, which kills good and bad). This makes them highly effective and specialised killers. Inevitably, superbugs will become more advanced, but the phages will always be one step ahead.

This has already been tested on a patient who had no other hope left. His chest cavity had been infected with one of the most feared bacteria that could survive in alcoholic hand gel and his life was hanging in the balance. 1,000s of phages were injected into his chest cavity along with some antibiotics the bacteria were immune to. Within a week or so of recovery, the infection had cleared. So, with this being such a success why not start using it right away? Well, it's not that easy. The procedure still needs to be tested thoroughly. But this is revolutionary. Phages are finally getting the attention they truly deserve. The time where we relied on antibiotics to protect us from evil bacteria is now over.

It's time for phages to step in the spotlight and get the job done.

Sources used:

https://www.britannica.com/science/bacteriophage

https://www.biospace.com/article/are-phages-the-wave-of-the-future-using-viruses-to-treat-bacterial- diseases

Statistics from: Kurzgesagt - in a nutshell

Tara