Fagoterapia como estratégia terapêutica contra a resistência bacteriana

Abstract

Bacterial resistance to antimicrobials is configured as one of the greatest problems in global public health, given that several previously treatable bacteria have started to show reduced sensitivity to these medications. The indiscriminate use of antibiotics, both in the health sector and in the everyday life of the population, has contributed significantly to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. In this context, phage therapy emerges as an effective and strategic therapeutic alternative to combat bacterial resistance. This approach is based on the use of phages that act in a highly specific manner, being capable of selectively eliminating target microorganisms. The present study aimed to analyze, through a bibliographic survey, the potential of phage therapy as a therapeutic tool against resistant bacterial infections, discussing its clinical applicability, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives. It was observed that phage therapy presents unique characteristics in comparison to traditional antibiotics, such as high specificity, self-replication at the infection site, reduced side effects, and the possibility of being used in difficult-to-control infections. However, despite its great potential, this therapy faces significant stigmas, such as the lack of knowledge on the part of the population. Furthermore, limited clinical regulation, a scarcity of robust studies, and the need for safe standardization are also factors that restrict its use. Finally, the study suggests that, for the successful use of phage therapy, it is essential to expand scientific knowledge on the subject, strengthen public policies that encourage research, and implement strategies that enable its safe and effective incorporation into the clinical context.