Otago Researchers Advance Phage Therapy to Combat Bacterial Diseases

Researchers at the University of Otago are making significant strides in the development of phage therapy, a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics designed to combat bacterial diseases. Led by Prof Peter Fineran and Dr Robert Fagerlund, the team is investigating bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically target and kill bacteria, with the goal of applying this technology to human health and agriculture.

Funding and Research Focus

The project has garnered financial support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), allowing the researchers to explore the potential of phage therapy specifically in New Zealand’s cherry orchards. Pseudomonas bacteria are a significant threat to these orchards, causing losses of up to 50% in young trees. Historically, orchardists have relied on copper sprays to manage this problem, but this method has proven ineffective over time as the bacteria develop resistance.

Prof Fineran explained that their research involves collecting phage samples from various orchards to create phage cocktails. These cocktails consist of multiple phages, each designed to breach the defenses of the bacteria. “If one phage is blocked, another still gets through,” he stated. This approach not only enhances treatment effectiveness but also minimizes the risk of resistance that often accompanies conventional antibiotics.

Potential Applications Beyond Agriculture

The implications of this research extend beyond agriculture. The techniques being developed are applicable to both human and animal pathogens. The team has identified “jumbo phages,” which can create protective protein shells within bacteria, allowing phages to replicate without interference from bacterial enzymes. Additionally, they have studied various phages that modify their DNA with sugars, providing an extra layer of defense against gene-editing technologies such as CRISPR.

Prof Fineran pointed out that these resilient phages could play a crucial role in medical treatments, particularly in cases where conventional antibiotics fail. Current trials are underway in hospitals across the Western world to evaluate the efficacy of phages against stubborn infections.

Despite the potential of phage therapy, Prof Fineran cautioned against viewing it as a “silver bullet.” Instead of fully replacing antibiotics, phages are more likely to serve as a complementary treatment option. “To achieve the desired outcomes, we must understand bacterial immune systems and the various strategies phages use to overcome them,” he noted, emphasizing that this understanding is central to their ongoing research.

As the University of Otago continues to explore the capabilities of phage therapy, the hope is that this innovative approach will provide new solutions to both agricultural and medical challenges posed by resistant bacterial strains.