Mycobacterium abscessus (Mab) is an intrinsically drug resistant harmful bacterium which causes lung infections in people with cystic fibrosis (CF), making it very difficult to eliminate.
Bacteriophages are naturally occurring viruses capable of attacking bacteria and harmless to humans, which is why they could be used to treat people with infections by means of personalised therapies, i.e. specific to the type and variant of bacterium in question. Compared to the traditional antibiotic therapy, the use of bacteriophages would bring several advantages, such as greater efficacy, the absence of adverse effects on humans, and the possibility of replacement in case of the development of resistance in the bacterium.
The researchers will optimise and scientifically validate a collection of bacteriophages already developed in the lab, from which they will select the most effective ones capable of killing Mycobacterium abscessus. Moreover, they will genetically modify phages to make them more efficient and we test their effect in combination with antibiotics. Patient’s immune response to phages will also be tested.
The aim of the project is to provide more evidence about the efficacy of phage therapy for lung infections caused by drug-resistant mycobacteria such as Mab in people with CF and to define a specific protocol for treatment, which will be used for a future broader pilot study. The ultimate aim will be to provide treatment with bacteriophages in compassionate use to people with CF and Mycobacterium abscessus lung infection.
In the future, this study may pave the way to the use of bacteriophages to treat lung infections caused by other bacteria harmful to people with CF.