Viruses could be used to treat pig infections
Antibiotic resistance has prompted renewed interest in using phages to treat bacteria.
New research will investigate bacteriophages, or 'friendly' viruses, that could be used to treat Brachyspira and Salmonella in pigs.
Lead author Martha Clokie from the University of Leicester discussed her upcoming work at the BPEX Innovation Conference.
“In our work in humans we’ve been able to use certain viruses to treat the gut bacterium Clostridium difficile," she explained.
"Plus, because of the phages’ specificity, they can also be used to diagnose which bacteria are causing active infection."
While this method of treating bacteria has been in use for 100 years, rising concerns about antibiotic resistance have prompted a renewed interest in the subject.
“Originally, the specificity of bacteriophages was seen as a challenge and the broad spectrum of antibiotics made them the favoured option when they were discovered," Prof Clokie continued.
"However, bacteriophages are highly specific to their host and only bind to and infect those bacteria. Because of this, they won’t damage the whole flora of the gut which makes them a valuable alternative option to antibiotics."
In future, Prof Clokie says they could be used on-farm or even in abattoirs to reduce carcase contamination.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
