Call for expertise – government inquiry on the antimicrobial potential of bacteriophages
24 November 2022
The Microbiology Society are coordinating a response to the recently launched government inquiry on the antimicrobial potential of bacteriophages.
The World Health Organisation has warned that antibiotic resistance (AMR) is one of the top ten biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today. Alternative antimicrobials can be used instead of or in conjunction with antibiotics to reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance evolving. One of these alternative antimicrobials is bacteriophages, which are viruses that kill harmful bacteria but do not harm humans. The clinical use of bacteriophages has been restricted by regulation to individual ‘compassionate use’ where antibiotics have failed, which inhibits the potential of applying bacteriophages to address AMR.
The Committee is therefore seeking written submissions from the public to inform their strategy in addressing this issue. If you are a Microbiology Society member with expertise in the area and believe the committee would benefit from your insight, you can contribute to our Microbiology Society response.
For more information about how to get involved, please email [email protected] by 2nd December.
Image: iStock/BrianAJackson.
