Otago Researchers Pioneer Phage Therapy to Combat Bacterial Diseases

Researchers from the University of Otago are making significant strides in the field of phage therapy, aiming to harness the power of bacteriophages—viruses that specifically target and destroy bacteria. Led by Prof Peter Fineran and Dr Robert Fagerlund, the team is focused on developing this innovative treatment to address bacterial diseases affecting New Zealand’s cherry orchards. Their efforts have gained financial support from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).

A major challenge for cherry growers is the presence of Pseudomonas bacteria, which can lead to crop losses of between 20% and 50% in young orchards. Traditionally, growers have relied on copper sprays to manage these bacterial outbreaks, but this method is increasingly ineffective as bacteria develop resistance. Prof Fineran explained that the use of phage cocktails—combinations of various phages—offers a more effective solution by employing different mechanisms to penetrate bacterial defenses.

“If one phage is blocked, another still gets through,” he stated. This strategy ensures a robust treatment that minimizes the risk of resistance developing among the targeted bacteria, in contrast to the broad-spectrum approach of antibiotics that indiscriminately kill both harmful and beneficial bacteria.

Advancements in Phage Research

The research team has made notable discoveries, such as identifying “jumbo phages” that create protective protein shells within bacteria, allowing them to replicate undisturbed by bacterial enzymes. They have also found phages that modify their DNA with sugars, which provides additional protection against CRISPR gene editing techniques. Each variation of sugar enhances the phage’s ability to evade bacterial defenses.

Phage therapy is already being explored in hospitals in Western countries, particularly for treating stubborn infections where conventional treatments have failed. Additionally, there is a growing interest in applying phage therapy in agriculture. Nonetheless, Prof Fineran cautioned that phages should not be viewed as a “silver bullet.” Instead, they are likely to serve as a complementary treatment alongside antibiotics and other methods.

“To achieve the best outcomes, we need to select the appropriate phages and gain a deeper understanding of bacterial immune systems,” Prof Fineran emphasized. This understanding is critical for advancing their core research objectives and ensuring effective phage therapy applications.

As the potential of phage therapy continues to unfold, the work of the University of Otago represents a promising step forward in the fight against bacterial diseases, not only for agriculture but also for human health.