Bacteriophage therapy as a treatment option for complex cardiovascular implant infection: The German Heart Center Berlin experience

J Heart Lung Transplant. 2022 May;41(5):551-555. doi: 10.1016/j.healun.2022.01.018. Epub 2022 Jan 26.

Abstract

Conventional antimicrobials have low or no activity against multidrug-resistant or chronic implant-associated infections. Lytic bacteriophages can rapidly and selectively kill bacteria, and can be combined with antibiotics. However, clinical experience of bacteriophage therapy in patients with cardiovascular infections is limited. We documented the outcome and safety of intravenous and local adjunctive bacteriophage therapy, to treat chronic relapsing cardiovascular implant infections at our institution.

Keywords: alternative therapy; bacteriophage therapy; biofilm infections; cardiovascular implant infections; multidrug resistant infections.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bacteriophages*
  • Berlin
  • Cardiovascular Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Phage Therapy*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents