campylobacter phage

Campylobacter phages are a type of bacteriophage (viruses that infect bacteria) that specifically target and lyse bacteria belonging to the *Campylobacter* genus. The primary targets are *Campylobacter jejuni* and *Campylobacter coli*, which are leading causes of foodborne gastroenteritis in humans. [4, 5] This targeted bactericidal mechanism positions them as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics, particularly in light of growing antimicrobial resistance. [5, 8] The therapeutic action involves the phage attaching to the surface of a *Campylobacter* bacterium, injecting its genetic material, and using the bacterium's cellular machinery to replicate. This process culminates in the lysis (bursting) of the bacterial cell, which releases a new generation of phages that can infect and destroy other nearby target bacteria. [21] While research into human therapeutics is ongoing, the most advanced application is in food safety. For instance, Intralytix has developed CampyShield™, a cocktail of several Campylobacter phages, which is approved by the FDA as a processing aid to reduce contamination on raw poultry and meat products. [1, 2]

Brand names

CampyShield