Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Bacteriophages, viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, have shown great potential as an alternative to antibiotics for controlling bacterial pathogens in hospital environments. This thesis explores the role of bacteriophages in combating bacterial infections, particularly in healthcare settings where antibiotic resistance is a growing concern. The study delves into the background of bacteriophages, their mechanisms of action, and their advantages over traditional antibiotics. The problem statement highlights the urgent need for novel approaches to combat bacterial infections, given the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria. The objectives of the study focus on investigating the efficacy of bacteriophages in targeting specific bacterial pathogens commonly found in hospitals, assessing their safety profile, and exploring their potential for clinical applications. The limitations of the study are discussed, including challenges related to phage therapy such as host range specificity, immune response, and regulatory hurdles. The scope of the study encompasses in vitro and in vivo experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of bacteriophages against clinically relevant bacterial strains. The significance of the study lies in its contribution to the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies that can help mitigate the spread of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in healthcare settings. The structure of the thesis is outlined, detailing the organization of chapters that cover the introduction, literature review, research methodology, discussion of findings, and conclusion. Definitions of key terms related to bacteriophages, bacterial pathogens, and hospital environments are provided to establish a common understanding of the subject matter. The literature review synthesizes existing research on phage therapy, bacterial resistance mechanisms, and infection control practices in hospitals to provide a comprehensive background for the study. The research methodology section details the experimental design, sample collection, phage isolation and characterization techniques, bacterial susceptibility testing, and data analysis methods employed in the study. The discussion of findings presents the results of phage-bacteria interaction studies, efficacy assessments, safety evaluations, and potential challenges encountered during the research process. The conclusion summarizes the key findings, implications for clinical practice, recommendations for future research, and the overall contribution of the study to the field of microbiology and healthcare. In conclusion, this thesis sheds light on the promising role of bacteriophages as a targeted and sustainable approach to combatting bacterial pathogens in hospital environments. By exploring the efficacy, safety, and practical applications of phage therapy, this study offers valuable insights that can inform the development of alternative antimicrobial strategies and support efforts to address the global threat of antibiotic resistance in healthcare settings.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the role of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial pathogens in hospital environments" aims to investigate the potential of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial pathogens within hospital settings. Bacteriophages are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics in combating bacterial infections. The research will delve into the background of bacteriophages and their mechanism of action against bacterial pathogens. By understanding the interaction between bacteriophages and bacteria, the study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of bacteriophages in targeting and eliminating specific bacterial strains commonly found in hospital environments. The problem statement highlights the growing concern of antibiotic resistance among bacterial pathogens, leading to limited treatment options and increased healthcare costs. By exploring the use of bacteriophages as a potential solution, this research aims to contribute to the development of alternative therapeutic strategies for combating bacterial infections. The objectives of the study include assessing the efficacy of bacteriophages against multidrug-resistant bacteria, investigating the impact of bacteriophage therapy on bacterial populations in hospital settings, and evaluating the safety and feasibility of using bacteriophages as a treatment option. The limitations of the study may include challenges in standardizing bacteriophage therapies, potential development of phage resistance by bacteria, and regulatory hurdles in implementing phage therapy in clinical settings. However, these limitations will be addressed to the best extent possible to ensure the validity and reliability of the research findings. The scope of the study will focus on specific bacterial pathogens commonly associated with healthcare-associated infections, such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. The research will involve in vitro and potentially in vivo experiments to assess the effectiveness of bacteriophages in controlling these pathogens. The significance of the study lies in its potential to provide valuable insights into the use of bacteriophages as an alternative treatment option for bacterial infections in hospital environments. By exploring the role of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial pathogens, this research aims to contribute to the development of novel therapies that could help address the challenges of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in healthcare settings. Overall, this project aims to advance our understanding of bacteriophage therapy and its potential applications in controlling bacterial pathogens within hospital environments. Through comprehensive research and analysis, this study seeks to shed light on the feasibility and effectiveness of bacteriophages as a promising tool in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.