Test 3 Bacteriophage Therapy

Question 1

lytic phage

Answer 1

infects bacterial cells and releases factors that kills the bacteria

Question 2

lysogenic phage

Answer 2

• integrate into bacterial genome

- phage conversion (bring in genes to help become more pathogenic)

Question 3

Which phage is useful for therapeutic applications?

Answer 3

lytic phages

Question 4

Phage Therapy: Advantages

Answer 4

• attacks specific bacteria
• does not select for antibiotic resistant species (?)
• no loss of gut flora
• little or no side effects
• self-limiting treatment: phage is alive as long as host is alive

Question 5

Phage Therapy: Potential Problems

Answer 5

• bacterial resistant via mutation -> must use cocktails of phages
• public resistance
• regulatory resistance

Question 6

limitations of phages over antibiotics

Answer 6

• phages: require a specific diagnosis

- antibiotics: treatment can precede diagnosis

Question 7

phage lysin

Answer 7

• breaks down bacterial cell wall (how?)