Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Bacteriophages, or phages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in exploring the potential of bacteriophages as a novel approach to combating bacterial infections, particularly in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance. This thesis aims to investigate the role of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial infections through a comprehensive review of the existing literature and an experimental study. The introduction provides a background to the study, highlighting the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and the need for alternative treatment options. The problem statement emphasizes the limitations of current antibiotic therapies and the potential of bacteriophages as an alternative or complementary treatment strategy. The objectives of the study are outlined, focusing on evaluating the effectiveness of bacteriophages against various bacterial strains and elucidating the mechanisms underlying their antibacterial activity. The literature review in Chapter Two examines ten key studies that have investigated the use of bacteriophages for controlling bacterial infections. This section covers the historical background of bacteriophage therapy, the diversity of bacteriophages, their mechanisms of action, and the challenges and opportunities associated with their use in clinical settings. Chapter Three details the research methodology, including the selection and preparation of bacteriophages, the cultivation of bacterial strains, and the experimental setup for assessing the efficacy of bacteriophages against different bacterial isolates. Other components of the methodology include the characterization of bacteriophages, the determination of host range specificity, and the evaluation of bacteriophage-bacteria interactions. Chapter Four presents a comprehensive discussion of the findings from the experimental study, highlighting the effectiveness of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial infections. The results demonstrate the ability of bacteriophages to selectively target and lyse bacterial cells, leading to a reduction in bacterial populations. The implications of these findings for the development of bacteriophage-based therapies are discussed, along with potential challenges and future research directions. Finally, Chapter Five concludes the thesis by summarizing the key findings and implications of the study. The significance of the research in advancing our understanding of bacteriophage biology and their potential applications in clinical practice is emphasized. The limitations of the study are acknowledged, and recommendations for further research are provided to address these limitations and enhance the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the role of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial infections. By investigating the efficacy and mechanisms of action of bacteriophages against bacterial pathogens, this study provides valuable insights that may pave the way for the development of novel bacteriophage-based therapies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections.

Thesis Overview

The project titled "Exploring the role of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial infections" aims to investigate the potential of bacteriophages in combating bacterial infections. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria, offering a promising alternative to conventional antibiotics in the face of increasing antibiotic resistance. This research will delve into the mechanisms by which bacteriophages interact with bacterial pathogens, exploring their ability to selectively infect and kill harmful bacteria while leaving beneficial microbes unharmed. The study will begin with a comprehensive literature review to establish the current understanding of bacteriophage biology, their modes of action, and previous research on their efficacy in controlling bacterial infections. This will provide a solid foundation for the experimental phase of the research, where different bacteriophages will be isolated, characterized, and tested against a variety of bacterial strains known to cause infections in humans. The research methodology will involve in vitro experiments to assess the lytic activity of bacteriophages against bacterial isolates, determining their host range and efficacy in killing target pathogens. Additionally, animal model studies will be conducted to evaluate the therapeutic potential of bacteriophages in vivo, simulating real-life infection scenarios and assessing their ability to reduce bacterial loads and improve clinical outcomes. The findings from this research are expected to shed light on the effectiveness of bacteriophages as a treatment option for bacterial infections, potentially leading to the development of novel phage-based therapies. By elucidating the specific interactions between bacteriophages and pathogenic bacteria, this study aims to contribute valuable insights to the field of antimicrobial research and provide new strategies for combating antibiotic-resistant infections. Overall, this project seeks to advance our understanding of the role of bacteriophages in controlling bacterial infections and explore their therapeutic potential as a targeted and sustainable alternative to traditional antibiotics. Through a multidisciplinary approach combining microbiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics, this research endeavors to address the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance and pave the way for innovative solutions in infectious disease management.