Nature’s Allies: Bacteriophage-Derived Enzymes to Combat Resistant Bacteria

Bacterial multidrug resistance is a critical issue in medicine and veterinary practice. Bacterial infections that are resistant to most or all known antibiotics generate severe diseases with a high morbidity and mortality rate. As a result, research of novel therapeutic techniques is seen as one of the objectives in the era of the “antibiotic resistance crisis” Phage therapy is a potential strategy for the treatment of bacterial illnesses that makes use of bacteriophages, which are viruses that particularly target and kill bacteria. Phages and phage-derived proteins, particularly enzymes, are being extensively researched as potential alternatives or supporting antibacterial treatments, either alone or in combination with traditional antibiotic regimens. Enzymes derived from bacteriophages, including endolysins and lysins, offer a more tailored strategy for fighting bacterial infections. This chapter investigates the potential of these enzymes in treating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, as well as their mechanism of action and uses in a variety of therapeutic contexts. The chapter also discusses the challenges and the prospects of these medicines.