Scholarlink

<p>Musculoskeletal infections remain a formidable challenge in orthopaedic surgery, particularly when biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance compromise the efficacy of conventional treatment, typically including repeated surgical debridement, implant removal or exchange, and prolonged systemic antibiotic administration. Bacteriophage therapy, once relegated to historical anecdote, has re-emerged as a biologically targeted adjunct capable of eradicating pathogenic bacteria in complex musculoskeletal environments. This narrative review synthesises current knowledge on the use of bacteriophages in musculoskeletal infections, with critical emphasis on preclinical efficacy, clinical application, and integration within standard surgical and antibiotic regimens. Data from in vitro studies, animal models, and human case series consistently demonstrate phage-mediated biofilm disruption, synergy with antimicrobials, and favourable safety profiles. Nevertheless, key limitations remain, including immunogenicity, pharmacokinetic unpredictability, manufacturing standardisation, and regulatory heterogeneity. Addressing these barriers requires robust pharmacological modelling, molecular diagnostics, and harmonised regulatory frameworks. Phage therapy is currently in a crucial phase of translational development and, following rigorous scientific validation, it may become an essential pillar of infection management in orthopaedics.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

Bacteriophages for the management of musculoskeletal infections: scientific rationale, clinical evidence, and future directions

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

    开放获取

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月9日

查看全文
  • Filippo Migliorini,
  • Luise Schäfer,
  • Thomas Mendel,
  • Philip Kobbe,
  • Andreas Bell,
  • Gennaro Pipino,
  • Jörg Eschweiler

摘要

Musculoskeletal infections remain a formidable challenge in orthopaedic surgery, particularly when biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance compromise the efficacy of conventional treatment, typically including repeated surgical debridement, implant removal or exchange, and prolonged systemic antibiotic administration. Bacteriophage therapy, once relegated to historical anecdote, has re-emerged as a biologically targeted adjunct capable of eradicating pathogenic bacteria in complex musculoskeletal environments. This narrative review synthesises current knowledge on the use of bacteriophages in musculoskeletal infections, with critical emphasis on preclinical efficacy, clinical application, and integration within standard surgical and antibiotic regimens. Data from in vitro studies, animal models, and human case series consistently demonstrate phage-mediated biofilm disruption, synergy with antimicrobials, and favourable safety profiles. Nevertheless, key limitations remain, including immunogenicity, pharmacokinetic unpredictability, manufacturing standardisation, and regulatory heterogeneity. Addressing these barriers requires robust pharmacological modelling, molecular diagnostics, and harmonised regulatory frameworks. Phage therapy is currently in a crucial phase of translational development and, following rigorous scientific validation, it may become an essential pillar of infection management in orthopaedics.