Phage therapy for intracellular MRSA infections and navigating transduction risks

Aasima Hassan *, Zainab Ibrar, Neha Kishwar, Kiran Chaudhary and Aasma Nasim

Institute of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 57000 Pakistan.
 
Review
World Journal of Biology Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2024, 18(03), 105–115.
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjbphs.2024.18.3.0324
Publication history: 
Received on 23 April 2024; revised on 04 June 2024; accepted on 07 June 2024
 
Abstract: 
In response to escalating antibiotic resistance, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections, especially chronic intracellular cases, pose a persistent challenge. Phage therapy offers a promising alternative, targeting intracellular MRSA effectively. This review explores phage therapy's mechanisms, efficacy, challenges, and future prospects, with a focus on transduction risks. The review details phage therapy's intricate mechanisms against MRSA, highlighting dynamic phage-bacterial interactions within host cells. Evidence and case studies underscore transduction risks, including genetic element transfer and antibiotic resistance acquisition. Studies demonstrating phage therapy's efficacy against intracellular MRSA stress the need for tailored strategies and innovative approaches for enhanced phage access and efficacy within cells. Challenges like phage resistance and cell penetration limitations are examined, with proposed solutions to improve intracellular phage activity. Cutting-edge technologies such as whole-genome sequencing and single-cell analysis are discussed for monitoring and controlling transduction events. Collaboration among researchers, healthcare professionals, and regulators is emphasized to establish robust guidelines and address biosecurity concerns in phage therapy applications.
 
Keywords: 
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Phage therapy; Antibiotic resistance; Intracellular infection; Transduction
 
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