In the battle against antibiotic-resistant superbugs, doctors are turning to nature's oldest predators - tiny viruses called phages. According to CNN, these microscopic creatures are being hailed as a potential solution to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, having already saved the lives of patients suffering from superbug infections.

Phage scientists in labs across the country are taking research and discovery to the next level. At Yale, scientists are mapping which phages and antibiotics work best in symbiosis to fight against pathogens. Meanwhile, in San Diego, researchers at San Diego State University are investigating the body's immune response to phages and developing new purification techniques for intravenous usage in patients.

Clinical trials are currently underway to test the effectiveness of phages against a range of challenging infections, including urinary tract infections, chronic constipation, joint infections, diabetic foot ulcers, tonsillitis, and recurrent infections in cystic fibrosis patients. These chronic infections are often caused by drug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In an effort to expand the arsenal of phages available, several labs are developing libraries stocked with strains found in nature that are known to be effective against specific pathogens. In Texas, a new facility is even speeding up evolution by creating phages in the lab. Using a bioreactor, billions upon billions of phages are produced in real-time, with the hope of finding rare variants that can effectively attack drug-resistant bacteria. This approach represents a next-generation solution and could revolutionize phage libraries.

Anthony Maresso, an associate professor at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, highlighted the potential of customized phages. In a study conducted by his lab, patients were treated with phages tailored to their unique bacterial profile. The results were promising, with antibiotic-resistant bacteria eradicated in five patients and improvements seen in several others.

As scientists explore different avenues, such as genetically engineering phages and determining the most effective modes of administration, there is a growing possibility of targeting each individual's specific mix of antibiotic-resistant pathogens. This personalized approach could eliminate the need to search for the right phage in diverse environments like sewage, bogs, and ponds.

In countries like Russia and Georgia, where phage therapy has been utilized for decades, patients have the option to purchase pre-made phage cocktails from pharmacies. The availability of these treatments showcases the potential for phages to be produced on a larger scale through genetic engineering.

With multiple approaches underway, including engineering phages and creating phage cocktails, scientists are optimistic about the future of phage therapy in the fight against antibiotic resistance. As they continue to innovate and refine their methods, phages could become a powerful weapon in the battle against superbugs, saving countless lives and revolutionizing medicine as we know it.