Bacteriophage Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections

The global demand for alternative antimicrobial solutions to address bacterial infections is intensifying due to insufficient progress in developing new antibiotic classes, the increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, and the limited efficacy of antibiotics against certain indications. At the forefront of alternative therapeutics is the resurgence of a century-old treatment: phage therapy. In Sect. 15.1, we offer a comprehensive clinical perspective on phages and phage therapy, outlining their inherent advantages in addressing a wide range of pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria, including biofilms. We also explore the growing use of genetic engineering to enhance the therapeutic capabilities of phage therapy. In Sect. 15.2, we delve into the specific clinical applications of phages for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) in patients and provide our perspective on the future of phage therapy in combating urological infections.