Synergistic Effects of Phage and Antibiotic Combinations Against Pathogenic Bacteria

Due to the increasing threat posed by superbugs, renewed curiosity in phage as a highly promising treatment for challenging infections. Scientists and clinical communities are currently evaluating bacteriophage as a viable and practical approach to treating bacterial illnesses that are challenging to eliminate. Apart from the emergence of resistance to antibacterial agents in pathogenic bacteria, biofilms present a noteworthy obstacle in managing bacterial diseases. Due to the potential limitations associated with phages, a more appropriate inquiry would pertain to the comparative efficacy of employing a phage with antibiotics to manage bacterial infections. Combination therapy offers significant advantages, including enhanced elimination of bacterial cells and lower development of resistance to the phage or antibiotic. Phage-antibiotic synergy is well documented, with its manifestation being dependent on the particular type of phage and antibiotic involved. Our chapter is focused on PAS, its mechanism, and the antagonistic effect.