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Phage Therapy Among Older Adults: A Foresight Approach
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Arya Hamedanchi   , Mohammad Javad Hosseini , Hamid Hamzezadeh , Ayoub Nafei , Feresshteh Rezaie * |
| Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Branch, ACECR |
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Abstract: (2115 Views) |
Introduction: Older adults are susceptible to infectious diseases for various reasons. Additionally, these infections mainly account for their hospitalization and visits to doctors. Parallel to this, the progressive process of antimicrobial resistance has reduced the effectiveness of antibiotics in aged individuals. One promising novel method to overcome these complications is the application of phage therapy to treat these instances of infection. In fact, phages are viruses which exclusively destroy target bacteria. The present research aims to apply a foresight method to study phage therapy in older adults.
Methods: Using Horton’s foresight method, this study was conducted in 2024 in three stages: 1. Input or data collection, 2. Translation and interpretation of the initial stage results to attain a conceptualization of the future, 3. Assimilation and assessment of the concept obtained for practical application.
Results: Infections constitute one of the main causes of mortality among older adults. Moreover, antimicrobial resistance against common bacteria in the elderly population, particularly in hospital acquired infections, is reported to be high. In general, laboratory evidence indicates the potential effectiveness of phage therapy against invasive bacteria such as Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli, which are resistant to antibiotics.
Discussion: Notwithstanding the fact that due to scarcity of human studies, the application of phage therapy is limited, it could be introduced as a replacement method or together with antibiotics to curtail and treat resistant infections in older adults. It is necessary to conduct clinical trials on older adults alongside the study of phage therapy in low-risk groups. Providing the required facilities and promoting the design and development of bacteriophages in Iran through science-based and private corporations appears advisable.
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| Keywords: older adults, phage therapy, infections, health promotion. |
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Full-Text [PDF 345 kb]
(474 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Applicable |
Subject:
geriatric medicine
Received: 2024/08/9 | Accepted: 2024/08/24 | Published: 2024/08/31
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