A gene-modified virus rescues a patient from a drug-resistant "superbug"



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The team discovered three bacteriophages that could be useful (including one from decaying eggplant) and modified them to maximize their ability to target and eliminate the bacterial strain. Once this was ready, they administered the infusion twice a day to the teenager as well as surface treatments on the skin lesions resulting from the infection.

Treatment was not a curative treatment, but it produced spectacular results (and likely to save lives). The infection has almost disappeared, according to NPRand the teenager is now healthy enough to resume a normal life – this is the main goal. There were also no side effects.

It could take a long time before this type of treatment occurs regularly. Much remains to be done to determine the effectiveness of bacteriophages (modified by a gene or not) and determine whether they are really safe or not. However, this suggests that genetic modifications might one day tackle a variety of stubborn infections, offering a second chance to people who would otherwise be resigned to an ominous fate.

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