Harnessing Engineered Bacteriophages to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: A Targeted Biomedical Approach to a Global Crisis

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the biggest threats to global health. Every year, millions of people die because bacteria no longer respond to traditional antibiotics. Phage therapy offers a promising biomedical alternative. These viruses target specific bacteria, killing them while leaving others alone. They can multiply inside infections and even work against multidrug resistant strains. Engineered phages take this a step further. Modified through genetic techniques and CRISPR-Cas tools, they can tackle problems that natural phages struggle with, such as limited host ranges or stubborn biofilm infections. The biomedical evidence is encouraging. Preclinical studies and clinical trials show phages succeeding in treating burn wounds, infections related to cystic fibrosis, and diabetic foot ulcers. Combining phages with antibiotics often works better than either on its own, reducing bacterial loads more effectively. Challenges remain, though. Bacteria can develop resistance to phages, and better delivery methods are still needed. Recent advances, including AI-driven phage design, offer a way forward. By integrating these innovations, phage therapy could cut AMR-related deaths and make access to treatment more fair worldwide. This review draws on biomedical studies, highlighting successes as well as gaps, to guide future research in the field.