Browsing: Bacteriophage

A bacteriophage, or phage, is a type of virus that infects and replicates within bacteria. These microscopic entities play a crucial role in controlling bacterial populations in various ecosystems, including the human body. Bacteriophages attach to bacterial cells, inject their genetic material, and hijack the bacterial machinery to reproduce, eventually causing the bacterial cell to burst, releasing new phages. Due to their ability to specifically target bacteria, bacteriophages have gained renewed interest as potential alternatives to antibiotics, particularly in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections. Phage therapy is being researched for its precision in targeting harmful bacteria while sparing beneficial microbes.