Subscribe now

Health

Antibiotic-resistant acne could be treated by phage therapy

The bacterium that causes acne is becoming resistant to antibiotics, but a study in mice suggests that adding viruses to acne treatments can restore their effectiveness

By Michael Le Page

14 April 2022

Bacteriophage viruses attacking bacteria, Infectious disease, 3d illustration ; Shutterstock ID 1066678916; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Illustration of phage viruses attacking bacteria

Shutterstock / nobeastsofierce

It is getting harder to treat acne because the bacterium that causes it is becoming increasingly resistant to antibiotics. Adding viruses that kill this bacterium to acne treatments could restore their effectiveness, an animal study suggests, however.

“I myself have suffered from acne,” says Amit Rimon at the Israeli Phage Therapy Center, based at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. “It might be cosmetic but it can have a major psychological impact.”

Certain strains of a bacterium called Cutibacterium acnes are thought to be the main …

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 14th June 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account