How are phages different from antibiotics?
Phages are highly specific. Phages against cholera or dysentery causing bacteria will target and eliminate only those pathogens and will not harm the beneficial bacteria normally present in the intestines. Antibiotics, in general, attack both the pathogen as well as the “good” bacteria in the gut and this bacterial imbalance leads to secondary infections involving resistant bacteria. Phages will destroy antibiotic-resistant bacteria that are threatening the health of large populations both inside and outside the hospital. Phages are self-replicating and self-limiting. Phages multiply as long as the sensitive bacterial host is around and are eliminated once the sensitive bacteria are destroyed. Antibiotics have to be administered repeatedly, over many days.
