Harnessing Bacteriophages to Combat Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Africa: A Comprehensive Review
Kafayath Fabiyi,
Kevin Sintondji,
Jerrold Agbankpe,
Phenix Assogba,
Hornel Koudokpon,
Boris Lègba,
Elodie Gbotche,
Lamine Baba-Moussa,
Victorien Dougnon
Affiliations
Kafayath Fabiyi
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
Kevin Sintondji
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
Jerrold Agbankpe
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
Phenix Assogba
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
Hornel Koudokpon
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
Boris Lègba
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
Elodie Gbotche
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
Lamine Baba-Moussa
Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, University of Abomey-Calavi, Cotonou P.O. Box 1604, Benin
Victorien Dougnon
Research Unit in Applied Microbiology and Pharmacology of Natural Substances, Research Laboratory in Applied Biology, Polytechnic School of Abomey-Calavi, University of Abomey-Calavi, 01, Cotonou P.O. Box 2009, Benin
The conventional treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics is becoming increasingly ineffective due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This literature review explores the potential of bacteriophages as an alternative or adjunctive therapy to antibiotics in combating MDR infections in Africa. This analysis focuses on current research regarding the integration of phage therapy into African healthcare, highlighting its challenges and opportunities. This review begins with the AMR crisis and the need for new treatments, then covers the history, mechanisms, benefits, and limitations of phage therapy. Key African studies are summarized, identifying major obstacles such as regulatory issues, infrastructure, and research standardization. Research efforts in West Africa that have made notable progress in bacteriophage research are highlighted. This review concludes with recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and healthcare professionals to enhance the development and use of phage therapy in Africa, aiming to reduce antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the unique advantages of phages, there is potential to significantly mitigate the impact of antibiotic resistance and improve patient outcomes in Africa.
