Question

Using phages to treat a bacterial infection is an interesting idea because

A) a single type of phage can destroy a wide range of strains of the same pathogen.
B) of the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance.
C) lysed bacteria pose no threat.
D) a single phage can be genetically engineered to infect many different species of bacteria.

Answer 1

Phage therapy is gaining attention as a way to treat bacterial infections due to increased antibiotic resistance, and it offers a specific, potentially cost-effective alternative to antibiotics.

Step-by-step explanation:

The idea of using phages to treat a bacterial infection is primarily compelling due to interest in phage therapy, which has been rekindled as a result of the increasing problem of antibiotic resistance. Phage therapy involves using bacteriophages, which are viruses that infect and kill bacteria. This method can be particularly effective against bacteria that have become resistant to antibiotics, such as MRSA. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, phages have the advantage of being specific to the bacteria they infect, avoiding harm to beneficial microbiota. Consequently, with bacteria continuously evolving resistance to conventional treatments, phage therapy offers a highly targeted approach to combating bacterial infections and represents an innovative area of research. Moreover, the increasing interest in phage therapy is also due to its potential cost-effectiveness compared to developing new antibiotics.