3 ms·
Ideally, the bacteria can't become immune. The virus evolves and adapts with the bacteria, modifying its receptors and modes of action as the host survivors mu
by chasil 4y ago
Ideally, the bacteria can't become immune.
The virus evolves and adapts with the bacteria, modifying its receptors and modes of action as the host survivors mutate, which is beyond the capability of a chemical antibiotic.
This is why it is so important to pre-treat the phage in a concentrated solution of the target pathogen prior to injection into a patient, which allows the virus to maximize infectivity.
- elcritch 4y agoIt seems that’d help make semi “broad spectrum” possible as well. Manufacture a serum loaded with hundreds or thousands of phages known to target superbugs and let them decimate the bacteria. Choose the survivors. If you could automate the last step it could be something any old doctors office could do.
- chasil 4y agoIt is important to carefully match the phage with the target pathogen. A mismatched phage will not be effective. This tool can't be used like antibiotics. It requires expertise in classification.