bakteriofaagides

Bakteriofaagides, commonly known as bacteriophages or simply phages, are viruses that infect and replicate within bacteria. The term "bacteriophage" literally translates to "bacteria eater" from Greek. They are ubiquitous in nature, found in soil, water, and even within the digestive tracts of animals. Bacteriophages are incredibly diverse, with a wide range of host specificities, meaning a particular phage might only infect a specific species or even strain of bacteria.

The life cycle of a bacteriophage typically involves two main pathways: the lytic cycle and the lysogenic cycle. In the lytic cycle, the phage injects its genetic material into the bacterium, hijacks the host's cellular machinery to produce new phage particles, and then lyses (bursts) the bacterium to release these progeny phages. In the lysogenic cycle, the phage's genetic material integrates into the bacterial chromosome, becoming a prophage. The prophage is replicated along with the bacterial DNA during cell division. Under certain conditions, the prophage can be induced to enter the lytic cycle.

Bacteriophages have garnered significant interest for their potential therapeutic applications, particularly in combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This field of study is known as phage therapy. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, phages can be highly specific, targeting only the pathogenic bacteria while leaving beneficial bacteria unharmed. Research into bacteriophages also contributes to our understanding of microbial genetics, evolution, and ecology. Their study is a vital area within microbiology.