New research shows that viruses that use infected bacteria, called bacteriophages, have promising potential, are viruses that attack and kill bacteria and work with antibiotics to fight stubborn lung infections. The study, led by Dr. Ergun Akturk and Professor Tom Coenye of Minho University and Ghent University, highlights an important step in treating bacterial infections involving multiple species. These findings are published in the Journal of Science Biofilm.
Chronic lung infections caused by bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus are particularly difficult because these bacteria form protective layers called biofilms, which create layers of sticky layers that the bacteria will produce to protect themselves from treatment, thus making They are protected from antibiotics. In this study, scientists tested the combination of phages and antibiotics, using a specialized 3D lung tissue model that resembles human lung cells. They found that infection was infected before providing antibiotics such as gentamicin or ciprofloxacin, two commonly used antibiotics kill bacteria by destroying the basic functions of the bacteria, or using both simultaneously or in reverse order Compared with treatment methods, it can eliminate bacterial elimination better.
The findings of Dr. Akturk and Professor Coenye’s team showed that when phages were first applied, followed by gentamicin, Pseudomonas aeruginosa was completely erased, and ciprofloxacin also significantly reduced bacterial levels, although not Greatly reduced. Interestingly, this approach also reduces the number of Staphylococcus aureus, but is not as effective as Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study highlights that the order of treatments given plays an important role in their working status and provides valuable insights into improving infection treatment.
“Using this advanced lung model, we show that the use of phages and antibiotics is an effective way to target mixed bacterial infections, especially Pseudomonas aeruginosa,” explains Dr. Akturk. “However, the sequences applying these treatments are in eliminating bacterial There are huge differences in abilities.”
The findings of Dr. Akturk and Professor Coenye open the door to better treatment options for long-term lung infections, especially in diseases such as cystic fibrosis, which leads to a viscous mucus buildup in the lungs, and Making the infection more difficult to treat, in which multiple bacteria, it often exists. By following step-by-step treatments, doctors can improve infection control while also reducing the chances of bacteria being resistant to antibiotics. Future research will focus on turning these promising results into realistic medical treatments.
Journal Reference
Akturk E., Pinto G., Ostyn L., Crabbé A. , Melo LDR, Azeredo J., CoenyeT. . “Biofilm, 2025. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bioflm.2024.100245
About the Author
Dr. Ergun Akturk He is a dedicated microbiologist specializing in phage therapy and antibiotic resistance. He has conducted extensive research on bacterial infections with a focus on novel treatments against persistent pathogens. His work at Minho University helped to understand how phages can be used to enhance antibiotic effectiveness, especially in treating lung infections. His research aims to develop safer and more effective strategies to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Professor Tom Coenye He is a famous expert on microbial biofilms and infectious diseases at Ghent University. With years of experience in drug microbiology, he has led many studies on how bacteria form protective communities, making them resistant to routine treatments. His work has played a crucial role in developing alternative therapies for chronic infections. As a leader in biofilm research, Professor Coenye continues to explore innovative solutions for the treatment of bacterial infections that evade traditional antibiotics.
