Viruses to the rescue—Use of bacteriophage to treat resistant pulmonary infections

People with cystic fibrosis (CF) are commonly infected with difficult to treat organisms, including non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Bacteriophage are viruses that lyse specific bacteria. Nick and colleagues describe the first successful treatment of a Mycobacterium abscessus lung infection with bacteriophage in an immune competent individual. This report provides important information regarding the efficacy of phage therapy and timeline of treatment response.