Bacteriophages: Why the antibiotic alternative is struggling

Maximilian Schmitt from Würzburg is one of 55,000 people in Germany every year whom antibiotics can no longer help. Rod-shaped bacteria have migrated from his sinuses into his intestines. The 19-year-old student has already had to undergo surgery. In his distress, Maximilian did some research on the internet and came across an alternative that could make his recovery possible: bacteriophages.

Bacteriophages destroy pathogens

They are supposedly real germ killers. Bacteriophages dock onto the pathogen and inject their genetic information. The bacterium then produces its own enemies inside itself. Finally, it bursts and releases the bacteria eaters. These then attack other bacteria until all pathogens are destroyed. Once all hosts have disappeared, the bacteriophages are also gone.

Not approved as a medication in Germany

But there is a major catch: bacteriophages are not approved as a medication in Germany or throughout the EU. Hardly any doctor knows them, and no pharmacy has them in stock, Maximilian reports. He would have to go to Eastern Europe to obtain the phages from pharmacies there.

Bacteriophages have long been in use in Eastern Europe

When it comes to fighting bacteria, Europe is still divided. While the West relies entirely on antibiotics, some countries in Eastern Europe still use bacteriophage therapy today. Such as Georgia.

Because bacteriophages are said to harm neither humans nor animals, they were used in the former Soviet Union for wounded soldiers, for everything from diarrhea to burn wounds. Bacteriophages as a low-cost alternative to antibiotics: forgotten in the West. Maximilian Schmitt has discovered them for himself. He is traveling to the East to obtain bacteriophages on the off chance.”