Bacteriophages: Clinical Aspects and Advances

Bacteriophages are a type of virus which infect and replicate inside archaea and bacteria. They are made up of proteins which encapsulate either the RNA or DNA genome, and may have simple or complex structures. Their genomes can contain as few as four genes like MS2 or may contain hundreds of genes. Phages reproduce inside the bacterium, after their genome is injected into its cytoplasm. They are the most usual and distinct entities found in the biosphere. These viruses are ubiquitous in nature and can be discovered anywhere near bacteria. They can be used as a therapy against multi-drug-resistant strains for a variety of bacteria. Phages also interact with the immune system both directly and indirectly. They directly impact the bacterial clearance and innate immunity, and indirectly interact through bacterial expression of phage-encoded proteins. This book unravels the recent studies on bacteriophages. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by it.