Phages: the tiny viruses that could help beat superbugs

Bacteriophages were superseded by modern antibiotics, but scientists believe they could be key to conquering antimicrobial resistanceIt is, say enthusiasts, the cure that the world forgot. An old therapy that could take on the new superbugs.Discovered in 1917 by French Canadian biologist F élix d’Hérelle, phages – or bacteriophages – are tiny viruses that arenatural predators of bacteria. In many countries they were supplanted during the second world war by antibiotics but continued to be used for decades in eastern Europe.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Global development Drug resistance Antibiotics Health Science Drugs Africa Source Type: news