Viral Solutions & Instant Answers: The Future of Fighting Infection

Bacteriophage (Phage) are viruses that only target bacteria. They use the bacterial cell as a host to replicate and generate more phage, resulting in bacterial lysis and cell death. Since the discovery of phage in 1915 scientists have been trying to explore new ways in which we can utilise these viruses to target bacterial infections. One method that has shown scientific promise is by using a mixture of different phage; a phage cocktail. However, a question that scientists are still trying to understand is what makes a perfect phage cocktail?

Have you ever had a bacterial infection that didn’t go away despite taking antibiotics? This can happen when microbes, that caused your infection, adapt and become resistant to the antibiotics. This is called antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is a worldwide problem. We can tackle this problem by providing patients with the most suitable antibiotic in the quickest time possible. This reduces unnecessary antibiotic use and slows the development of AMR. Current clinical tests can take 24 – 48 hours, whereas, the system I have been working on, iFAST, only takes 3- 4 hours to determine the most effective antibiotic to treat the patient. The iFAST’s speed and precision will combat AMR and save lives.