Abstract

Bone bacterial infections, also known as osteomyelitis, are often difficult to cure and exhibit high relapse rates [1]. Osteomyelitis presents a significant health burden, with 22 cases per 100,000 individuals in the United States [2] with a recurrence rate of 20-30% [1].

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a phage-loaded injectable hydrogel treatment for osteomyelitis infections. The phages are delivered to the site of infection to treat the bacterial infection, while the hydrogel promotes bone tissue regeneration.

Applications

• Treatment for bone and implant associated infections, by delivering phages and promoting tissue regeneration

Advantages

• Minimally invasive solution for addressing recurring bone and implant infections
• Effective at reducing bacterial infection
• Hydrogel is able to protect phages from external factors

References

1. Garcia del Pozo, E., Collazos, J., Carton, J.A. et al. Factors predictive of relapse in adult bacterial osteomyelitis of long bones.. BMC Infect Dis 18, 635 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-018-3550-6
2. Masters, E.A., Ricciardi, B.F., Bentley, K.L.d.M. et al. Skeletal infections: microbial pathogenesis, immunity and clinical management. Nat Rev Microbiol 20, 385–400 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41579-022-00686-0

Image obtained from:  https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/phage-infecting-bacteria-close-up-3d-rendering-illustration-phage-inserting-its-dna-gm1338313552-418942710?searchscope=image%2Cfilm