Phage Therapy: A Targeted Solution for Brucellosis

Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Diseases, vol. 25, pp. 713–721

Abstract

Background: Brucellosis is a widespread zoonotic bacterial infection that affects over 500,000 people annually, with significant economic losses in the livestock industry, particularly in endemic regions such as the Middle East, Asia, and parts of Africa and Latin America. Despite standard antibiotic treatments, relapse rates remain as high as 10%–15%, highlighting the limitations of current therapeutic options. Objective: Phage therapy, which uses bacteriophages to selectively target and lyse Brucella spp. bacteria, offers a promising approach for managing brucellosis. Methods: This paper explores the current understanding of brucellosis, highlighting the impact on animal and human health, and reviews the mechanisms and efficacy of bacteriophages against Brucella spp.Results:Key factors, such as phage specificity, immune modulation, and recent advancements in phage encapsulation, are discussed as strategies to enhance treatment efficacy. Conclusion: This review aims to explore emerging alternative therapies beyond conventional antibiotics, focusing on approaches such as immunotherapy, bacteriophage therapy, and novel vaccine strategies to improve clinical outcomes and reduce disease burden.

Authors 6

1. Bahareh Lashtoo Aghaee

   Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Assistant Professor of Bacteriology, Ramsar Campus, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Ramsar, Iran

2. Mohammad Yousef Alikhani

   Hamedan University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

   Infectious Disease Research Center, Avicenna Institute of Clinical Sciences, Avicenna Health Research Institute, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

3. Sima Kazemi corresponding

   Hamedan University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Infectious Disease Research Center, Avicenna Institute of Clinical Sciences, Avicenna Health Research Institute, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

4. Mohammad Ahmadyousefi

   Hamedan University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

   Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

5. Willem B. van Leeuwen Aachen Picturs Consultancy Molecular Microbiology

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Picturs Consultancy Molecular Microbiology, emeritus professor Innovative Molecular Diagnostics, University of Leiden, The Netherlands

6. Mona Nasaj

   Arak University of Medical Sciences

   Affiliation as printed

   Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran