Isolation of bacteriophages as therapeutic agents for combating trauma-related infections in Ukraine

Abstract

Aim. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a huge challenge for all countries. This problem has reached particularly alarming proportions in Ukraine, which has been fighting on the battlefield for its independence for three years now. Priorities to address AMR in human health include research and development of novel antibacterial preparations. In this context due to their unique properties, bacteriophageshave been perceived as promising tools in combating bacterial pathogens. The goals of our work were to investigate the microbiological profiles of wound injuries and to isolate bacteriophages capable of lysing the most relevant causative agents of soft and bone tissue infections. Conclusions. This work has been funded by the National Research Foundation of Ukraine (grant No. 2022.01/0065) and represents the initial large-scale effort to develop a collection of phages targeting relevant bacteria, through the collaboration of multiple institutions. Additional research is required to establish the role of phages in modern medicine, to conduct clinical trials and to facilitate the implementation of phage therapy into clinical practice.