Application of Phages: Challenges and Perspectives.

Bacteriophages (phages) are the most abundant and diverse biological entities in the biosphere. Due to the rise of multi-drug resistant bacterial strains during the past decade, phages are currently experiencing a renewed interest. Bacteriophages and their derivatives are being actively researched for their potential in the medical and biotechnology fields. Phage applications targeting pathogenic food-borne bacteria are currently being utilized for decontamination and therapy of live farm animals and as a biocontrol measure at the post-harvest level. For this indication, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several phage products targeting sp., sp. and Phage-based applications against could potentially be used in ways similar to those against sp. and sp.; however, only very few phage products have been approved anywhere to date. The research on phages conducted thus far indicates that highly diverse subpopulations of . as well as phage isolation and enrichment procedures influence the specificity and efficacy of phages. This review paper emphasizes conclusions from previous findings instrumental in facilitating isolation of phages and improving specificity and efficacy of the isolates.