Phage Therapy for Epidermolysis Bullosa: Australian Consortium Targets Chronic Wound Infections With Topical Bacteriophages
Epidermolysis bullosa is a group of rare inherited disorders characterized by extreme fragility of the skin and, in some forms, the mucosal surfaces. In affected individuals, minor friction or trauma can cause blistering, tissue separation and painful wounds that may remain open for prolonged periods. What begins as a genetic defect affecting the structural integrity of the skin can therefore evolve into a lifelong clinical burden involving chronic inflammation, repeated dressings, scarring, impaired mobility and recurrent bacterial infection. For patients and families, wound care is not an occasional medical intervention but a continuous part of daily life. Against this background, a new Australian research collaboration is investigating whether bacteriophages can be developed as topical treatments to control the bacteria colonizing epidermolysis bullosa wounds while reducing dependence on antibiotics. © Adélaïde University, https://adelaide.edu.au/content/dam/adelaideuniversity/...