RSU Research Week. RSU researchers develop new methods to treat bacteria

Antibiotics are increasingly used to treat a wide range of diseases, but an unwanted side effect is the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. To combat this, various studies are being conducted to find new ways to treat bacterial and viral infections. Kārlis Rācenis, Associate Professor at the Department of Biology and Microbiology and a researcher in the Phage Research Group at the Faculty of Medicine, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU), spoke to 360TV about one such study.

The development of new drugs and therapeutics is a years-long process, but RSU researchers are actively working on bacteriophage therapy—an alternative treatment that could save lives when antibiotics are no longer effective.

RSU researcher Kārlis Rācenis explains, 'Bacteriophage therapy involves using bacterial viruses—highly specific viruses that are living organisms and infect only bacteria, not humans.

We apply this principle by administering a virus to a patient, which then eliminates the bacterial infection.'

Rācenis notes that this method has successfully treated patients not only in Latvia but also in other parts of the world. However, bacteriophage therapy remains experimental and is used only as a last resort when no other treatment

Developing a new treatment for soldiers in combat

Bacteriophage therapy is being developed as a potential treatment for injuries sustained on the battlefield.

'We are collaborating with researchers on the military side as part of a NATO project, where bacteriophage therapy is recognised as a crucial alternative for soldiers suffering from resistant infections.

These infections are particularly common in battlefield conditions, and the current situation in Ukraine underscores the urgency of finding effective solutions,' explains Rācenis.

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Pirmavots: 360TV