Bakteriofagi jako czynniki biokontroli populacji niepożądanych bakterii

Bacteriophages as biocontrol agents of undesirable bacteria populations Bacteriophages, i.e. viruses that attack bacteria, are the largest group of biological life forms on Earth. Every species of bacteria has one or more bacteriophages, which act as a natural regulator of their population in environment. The specific way in which phages interact with bacteria makes them a promising alternative to antibacterial chemicals in controlling pathogenic and unwanted bacteria, including biofilm-producing strains or antibiotic-resistant ones. The ability of bacteriophages to control bacterial populations has led to their use in medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, aquaculture, wastewater treatment, the food industry, and as bioindicators of microbiological pollution. A promising solution could be the use of bacteriophages to eliminate pathogenic bacteria in the occupational environment, which would reduce the risk posed by harmful biological agents.