Bacteriophages as scalable experimental platforms for virology education in resource-constrained and high-biosafety contexts

The increasing complexity of virology has not been matched by equivalent access to experimental training, largely due to biosafety constraints, infrastructure demands, and the relatively high cost of practical virology compared to other areas of microbiology. These limitations are particularly pronounced in resource-constrained settings, where access to laboratory infrastructure is restricted. This imbalance has reduced hands-on learning opportunities and risks shifting virology education toward predominantly theoretical approaches. Bacteriophages provide a safe, cost-effective, and experimentally robust alternative for teaching fundamental virological principles. Their use enables direct observation of viral infection dynamics, quantitative analysis through plaque assays, and exploration of key concepts such as host specificity, viral replication, and lysogeny. Moreover, phage-based systems offer accessible entry points into contemporary topics, including antimicrobial resistance, phage therapy, viral evolution, and biotechnology applications. By integrating bacteriophages into virology curricula, educators can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and experimental practice while supporting scalable and inclusive models of training across diverse institutional contexts. Evidence from implementation in health-related programs in a middle-income country further highlights the feasibility and educational value of this approach in resource-constrained environments. Existing phage-based educational initiatives, particularly discovery-oriented programs such as SEA-PHAGES, further support the scalability of this approach and highlight its potential contribution to broader scientific literacy about viral emergence and epidemics.