Scientists investigated phages that can kill the world's leading superbug, Acinetobacter baumannii, which is responsible for up to 20% of infections in intensive care units. A major risk of being hospitalized is catching a bacterial infection.

What do bacteriophages kill?

To reproduce, they get into a bacterium, where they multiply, and finally they break the bacterial cell open to release the new viruses. Therefore, bacteriophages kill bacteria. Here, we explain how bacteriophages can be used to treat infectious diseases or to remove bacteria from other places where they are unwanted.

Can bacteriophages kill other viruses?

Researchers have found that viruses can be a powerful tool that can be used against them. Specifically, a type of friendly virus called bacteriophage (sometimes referred to as just phage) can be weaponized to fight even the most difficult bacterial infections.