Thesis Abstract

Abstract
The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria poses a significant threat to public health globally. In light of this challenge, alternative approaches to combatting these bacteria are urgently needed. Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria, have emerged as a promising tool in the fight against antibiotic resistance. This thesis explores the role of bacteriophages in controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings. The introduction provides an overview of the escalating issue of antibiotic resistance and the potential of bacteriophages as a targeted solution. The background of the study delves into the history of bacteriophages, their mechanism of action, and their advantages over traditional antibiotics. The problem statement highlights the critical need for innovative strategies to address antibiotic resistance, setting the stage for the research. The objectives of the study are outlined to investigate the efficacy of bacteriophages in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria, identify potential limitations in their application, and determine the scope of their use in clinical settings. The significance of the study lies in offering insights into a novel approach to tackling antibiotic resistance, with the potential to revolutionize treatment protocols and improve patient outcomes. The methodology chapter details the research design, sampling methods, data collection techniques, and data analysis procedures employed in the study. Through a comprehensive literature review, Chapter 2 examines existing research on bacteriophages and antibiotic resistance, highlighting key findings and gaps in current knowledge. The discussion of findings in Chapter 4 presents the results of the study, analyzing the effectiveness of bacteriophages in controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria and addressing any limitations encountered. The conclusion and summary chapter synthesize the key findings of the research, emphasizing the potential of bacteriophages as a valuable tool in combating antibiotic resistance. Recommendations for future research are provided, focusing on further exploration of the application of bacteriophages in clinical settings and the development of tailored phage therapies. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the growing body of knowledge on bacteriophages and antibiotic resistance, shedding light on the potential of phage therapy as a viable alternative to traditional antibiotics. By exploring the role of bacteriophages in controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings, this research offers valuable insights that could shape the future of infectious disease treatment and public health strategies.

Thesis Overview

The research project titled "Exploring the role of bacteriophages in controlling antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings" aims to investigate the potential of bacteriophages as a novel and effective strategy to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical environments. Antibiotic resistance is a pressing global health concern that threatens the efficacy of currently available antibiotics and poses a significant challenge in the treatment of bacterial infections. Bacteriophages, also known as phages, are viruses that specifically target and infect bacteria, offering a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics. The project will begin with a comprehensive literature review to explore the existing knowledge on bacteriophages, antibiotic resistance mechanisms, and the current status of research in phage therapy. This review will provide a solid foundation for understanding the rationale behind using bacteriophages as a potential solution for antibiotic-resistant infections. The research methodology will involve the isolation and characterization of bacteriophages targeting clinically relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains. Various laboratory techniques will be employed to assess the lytic activity and specificity of the isolated phages against the target bacteria. In addition, in vitro and potentially in vivo experiments will be conducted to evaluate the efficacy of phage therapy in controlling antibiotic-resistant bacterial growth. The findings from the study will be extensively discussed in the results and discussion chapter, highlighting the effectiveness of bacteriophages in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria in clinical settings. Factors influencing the success of phage therapy, such as phage-host interactions, resistance development, and potential limitations, will be thoroughly analyzed. In conclusion, this research project aims to contribute valuable insights into the use of bacteriophages as a potential strategy for addressing antibiotic resistance in clinical settings. By exploring the therapeutic potential of phages against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, this study seeks to provide a foundation for the development of alternative treatment options that can help combat the growing threat of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in clinical practice.