Bacteriophage (Gr. Bacterion - Stick, Fa-Gein - Devour)

A bacteriophage (from the Greek words “bacterion” - rod and “phage” - eater) is a virus that specifically infects bacteria and can destroy them. These viruses were discovered independently in 1915 by Frederick Thvor and Felix Derrell.

Bacteriophages are self-replicating viruses that replicate within their bacterial hosts. They consist of genetic material (DNA or RNA) and a shell of proteins. The membrane contains proteins that can break down bacterial walls and allow the phage to enter the bacterial cell.

When a bacteriophage enters a bacterial cell, it integrates into its genetic material and causes the cell to produce new copies of the virus. When the cell is filled with new copies of the bacteriophage, it ruptures, releasing new viruses ready to infect other bacteria.

Bacteriophages are of great importance in medicine and biotechnology because they can be used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Unlike antibiotics, which can harm not only pathogenic bacteria, but also beneficial microflora, bacteriophages are specifically targeted only at pathogenic bacteria and do not harm beneficial microorganisms.

There are also some limitations in the use of bacteriophages. For example, they may not be effective against bacteria that develop resistance to the virus, and their effect may be limited to only certain types of bacteria. In addition, bacteriophages can cause allergic reactions in some people.

However, bacteriophages continue to attract attention as a possible alternative treatment for infections, especially in cases where bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. Bacteriophages can also be used in biotechnology to produce proteins and other products.