BACTERIOPHAGES AND THEIR ROLE IN DETERMINING BACTERIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY

Bacteriophages, viruses that specifically infect bacteria, play a critical role in microbiology, particularly in determining bacterial susceptibility to antimicrobial agents. By attaching to bacterial surfaces and injecting their genetic material, bacteriophages can lyse bacterial cells or alter their physiology, providing a natural mechanism for controlling bacterial populations. Phage susceptibility testing has emerged as a valuable tool for identifying effective bacteriophages against pathogenic strains, informing phage therapy, and guiding antibiotic selection. Understanding the interactions between bacteriophages and bacteria is crucial for developing alternative treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections and advancing precision medicine in infectious disease management [1,2].