Phage therapy is highly effective against chronic lung infections with <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>.

Abstract

With an increase in cases of multidrug-resistant <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>, alternative and adjunct treatments are needed, leading to renewed interest in bacteriophage therapy. There have been few clinically relevant studies of phage therapy against chronic lung infections. Using a novel murine model that uses a natural respiratory inhalation route of infection, we show that phage therapy is an effective treatment against chronic <i>P. aeruginosa</i> lung infections. We also show efficacy against <i>P. aeruginosa</i> in a biofilm-associated cystic fibrosis lung-like environment. These studies demonstrate the potential for phage therapy in the treatment of established and recalcitrant chronic respiratory tract infections.