Combination of bacteriophages and antibiotics as the most effective therapy against Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is a bacterial pathogen that is frequently associated with drug resistance and causes serious infectious diseases. The challenge in treating staphylococcal infections arises not only from the strains resistance to antibacterial drugs but also from the bacteria's capacity to form biofilms. As an alternative to traditional antibiotic therapy, phage therapy, employing virulent bacteriophages, is being explored. Research on bacteriophage's effectiveness against S. aureus encompasses both individual use and their combination with antibiotics. The combined approach appears most promising, enhancing therapeutic efficacy substantially through the synergistic action of both the antibiotic and the phage. This review discusses the effects of using both agents together and the methodologies for their evaluation. It summarizes the latest in vitro and in vivo research on the combined approach against S. aureus, including experiments focused on biofilm elimination. Special emphasis is placed on clinical case studies in treating patients.