2023-08-05 19:13:04
Researchers from Switzerland Develop Rapid Test and Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections
Zurich – Bladder infections, although common in women, can be uncomfortable and unpleasant. Traditionally, antibiotics have been prescribed for these infections, but with increasing resistance, their effectiveness is no longer guaranteed. In light of this issue, researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) have developed a rapid test and therapy for urinary tract infections using bacteriophages.
Bacteriophages, or phages for short, are specialized viruses that infect and destroy bacteria. The ETH researchers, in collaboration with the Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich, have identified phages that target the three main triggers of urinary tract infections: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and enterococci. These phages have been genetically modified to make them more efficient in destroying bacteria.
The rapid test developed by the Swiss team can detect pathogenic bacteria directly and reliably in a urine sample within less than four hours. By prescribing an appropriate antibiotic immediately after diagnosis, the development of antibiotic resistance can be prevented. Additionally, the test aims to pave the way for tailored phage therapy, as the strength of the light signal produced by the infected bacteria indicates the efficiency of the phages used in the test.
One advantage of phages is their ability to target specific bacteria, which can help minimize collateral damage to the body. However, they do not completely kill their host bacteria, which can limit their effectiveness. To address this, the researchers genetically modified the phages to produce bacteriocins, proteins that kill bacteria, inside the infected bacteria. This dual approach increases the therapy’s effectiveness, according to the ETH researchers.
It is important to note that this work is currently a proof of concept and not a clinical study. The next step for the researchers is to test the phage therapy on selected patients. The development of a rapid test and therapy for urinary tract infections based on bacteriophages shows promising potential in combating antibiotic resistance and providing more targeted treatment options.]
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