Problems of VirologyProblems of VirologyВопросы вирусологии0507-40882411-2097Central Research Institute for Epidemiology1684810.36233/0507-4088-366hoolymREVIEWSОБЗОРЫReview ArticleViruses that heal: harnessing bacteriophages in the era of antibiotic resistanceЛечебные вирусы: использование бактериофагов в эпоху антибиотикорезистентностиhttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-6031-4827AwotundunTheresa A.АвотундунТереза Абимбола
Nigeria

Ph. D., Lecturer, Department of Microbiology

канд. биол. наук, преподаватель кафедры микробиологии

theresa.awotundun@oouagoiwoye.edu.nghttps://orcid.org/0000-0003-0404-7634SamsonOyindamola J.СэмсонОйиндамола Джон
Nigeria

M. Sc., Assistant Lecturer, Department of Microbiology

магистр, ассистент преподавателя кафедры микробиологии

oyindamola.samson@oouagoiwoye.edu.nghttps://orcid.org/0000-0002-0924-3549OlanbiwoninuAfolake A.ОланбивонинуАфолаке Атинуке
Nigeria

Ph. D., Professor, Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology

канд. биол. наук, профессор кафедры микробиологии и биотехнологии

aa.olanbiwoninu@acu.edu.ngOlabisi Onabanjo UniversityУниверситет Олабиси ОнабанджоAjayi Crowther UniversityУниверситет Аджайи Кроутера080520267129110807012026Copyright ©; 2026, Awotundun T.A., Samson O.J., Olanbiwoninu A.A.Copyright ©; 2026, Авотундун Т.А., Сэмсон О.Д., Оланбивонину А.А.2026Awotundun T.A., Samson O.J., Olanbiwoninu A.A.Авотундун Т.А., Сэмсон О.Д., Оланбивонину А.А.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0https://virusjour.crie.ru/jour/article/view/16848

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses an urgent threat to public health, and novel alternatives to traditional antibiotics are needed. One of the most promising options is bacteriophages, viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. Once overshadowed by the discovery of antibiotics, phage therapy is now regaining attention, driven by advances in genomics, synthetic biology, and targeted medicine. This review examines the biology, diversity, and therapeutic use of bacteriophages in treating bacterial infections, especially those caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens. It also discusses how phages act through natural mechanisms, such as lytic enzymes (holins, endolysins, and muralysins), and highlights new genetic engineering techniques, such as CRISPR-Cas systems, phage recombineering, and synthetic genome reboots. In addition to clinical applications, we evaluate phages as biocontrol agents for food safety, environmental sanitation, and biofilm management. Additionally, the article explores key issues in phage therapy, including regulatory frameworks, formulation stability, dynamics of phage-host resistance, and the importance of rapid diagnosis. When properly integrated into modern health and biotechnology practices, bacteriophages offer significant potential and a sustainable solution to the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.

Глобальный рост антимикробной резистентности (АМР) представляет собой серьезную угрозу для здоровья населения, в связи с чем возникает острая необходимость в новых альтернативах традиционным антибиотикам. Одним из наиболее перспективных вариантов являются бактериофаги – вирусы, которые поражают и уничтожают бактерии. Фаготерапия, некогда отошедшая на второй план после открытия антибиотиков, в настоящее время вновь привлекает к себе внимание благодаря достижениям в области геномики, синтетической биологии и персонализированной медицины. В данном обзоре рассматриваются биология, разнообразие и терапевтическое применение бактериофагов при лечении бактериальных инфекций, особенно вызванных патогенами с множественной лекарственной устойчивостью. В обзоре также обсуждаются естественные механизмы действия фагов, такие как литические ферменты (холины, эндолизины и мурализины), и подчеркиваются новые методы генной инженерии – CRISPR-Cas, рекомбинирование фагов и перезагрузка синтетического генома. Помимо клинического применения, фаги оцениваются как средства биологического контроля для обеспечения безопасности пищевых продуктов, санитарного состояния окружающей среды и борьбы с биопленками. Кроме того, в статье исследуются ключевые вопросы фаготерапии, включая нормативную базу, стабильность препаратов, динамику резистентности фагов и хозяев, а также важность быстрой диагностики. При правильном внедрении в современную практику здравоохранения и биотехнологии бактериофаги обладают значительным потенциалом и представляют собой устойчивое решение глобальной проблемы антимикробной резистентности.

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