USING BACTERIOPHAGE THERAPY TO TREAT MULTIDRUG-RESISTANT ACINETOBACTER BAUMANNII: PHARMACOKINETICS AND PHARMACODYNAMICS

Abstract

This review article discusses the urgent health threat from multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, a bacterium responsible for serious hospital-acquired infections worldwide. Traditional antibiotics are becoming less effective because bacteria develop resistance, form biofilms, and possess virulence factors that complicate treatment. Bacteriophage therapy, which utilizes viruses that especially target bacteria, is emerging as a promising alternative. The review covers the biological properties of phages, their pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics, highlighting both their potential and the challenges in clinical use. Important factors include how phages are absorbed, distributed, and potentially neutralized by the immune system, which are critical for successful therapy. The authors examine various delivery methods, including oral, intravenous, and topical applications, emphasizing that although phage therapy holds promise for combating resistant infections, significant gaps remain, particularly in optimal dosing, stability, and immune response management. The review recommends that combining phage therapy with existing treatments and improving delivery technology could boost their effectiveness. Overall, phages have great potential as a next-generation tool against difficult bacterial infections; however, further research is necessary to completely unlock their capabilities in medicine.