Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 29: In a groundbreaking revelation that could reshape the future of medicine, scientists are turning to ancient viruses—called bacteriophages or simply phages—in the global battle against antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These viruses, known for their ruthless efficiency in infecting and killing bacteria for billions of years, might just offer humanity a crucial advantage in combating the rising menace of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

As antibiotic resistance continues to surge across the globe, once-curable infections are turning deadly. The World Health Organization has already flagged AMR as one of the top ten global health threats, with over a million deaths annually attributed to drug-resistant infections.

However, phage therapy—a method that employs phages to attack bacterial infections—is showing promise. Unlike antibiotics, phages can be tailor-made to target specific strains of bacteria, including those resistant to every known drug. In several UK cases under compassionate use, phages have successfully treated infections that were otherwise untreatable.

But the battle is far from one-sided. Bacteria, like all life forms, have evolved intricate defense systems. Some destroy viral DNA, others block viral entry, and some even shut down vital processes within themselves to prevent phage replication.

Now, a new study published in the journal Cell has uncovered a bacterial defense mechanism named Kiwa. Described as a type of membrane-embedded sensor, Kiwa detects early signs of a phage attack—possibly the physical stress caused when a phage attaches to the bacterial cell and injects its DNA.

Once activated, Kiwa springs into action swiftly, disabling the virus’s ability to replicate and stopping the infection before it can overrun the host cell. However, phages are not easily defeated. Researchers observed that phages, in turn, evolve new tactics to bypass or overcome such defenses, fueling an ongoing microscopic arms race.

As this ancient war continues, the insights drawn from it may hold the potential to revolutionize modern medicine. Harnessing phages—once feared by bacteria—may soon become humanity’s best hope in the fight against superbugs.