Reinventing the fight against bacteria, one phage at a time.

Otago researchers aiming to develop phage therapy University of Otago biomedical sciences researchers Prof Peter Fineran (left) and Dr Robert Fagerlund are hoping their studies into phages will one day help in the battle against antibiotic-resistant bacterial diseases. PHOTO: SUPPLIED/NILS BIRKHOLZ Not many research projects come with a cherry on top. But this one does. University of Otago biomedical sciences researchers Prof Peter Fineran and Dr Robert Fagerlund are studying bacteriophages — tiny viruses that naturally hunt and kill bacteria — in the hope of turning the microscopic assassins into a powerful tool to fight bacterial diseases. As part of their bid to develop phage therapy for humans, they are tackling bacterial diseases that plague New Zealand’s cherry orchards; and the cherry on top is that the project has received funding from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) to do it. "We have interacted with a number of Otago orchards to collect phage s...

Bacteriophage technology could reduce Salmonella in poultry Viruses that kill specific bacteria, known as bacteriophages, are emerging as an alternative to antibiotics in poultry production. Paul Ward | WATT Global Media A platform that creates custom phage cocktails targeting  Salmonella  bacteria could help producers reduce disease in poultry flocks. According to Hans Pieringer, CEO,  PhageLab , the technology company created an algorithm that evaluates the genome of the bacteria to identify small differences and understand specific serotypes,  antibiotic resistance  and pathology, which helps create tailored solutions for producers. Antibiotics  may kill beneficial and harmful bacteria; however, the phage technology is able to only target specific pathogenic strains while preserving gut health. The technology helps address antimicrobial resistance and offers a targeted approach that maintains flock health without contributing to resistance problems, he s...