Treating bladder infections with viruses
The pathogens that cause urinary tract infections are becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. ETH Zurich researchers have now developed a rapid test and a new therapeutic approach using bacteria-infecting viruses known as phages.
In brief
- ETH Zurich researchers have developed a new rapid test that uses bacteriophages – viruses that infect bacteria – to quickly and accurately identify the pathogens that cause urinary tract infections.
- This enables the targeted use of a suitable antibiotic.
- The researchers also genetically modified the phages to make them more efficient in destroying the pathogenic bacteria.