The Janus-Face of Bacteriophages across Human Body Habitats
Fig 1
Phages are the natural enemies of bacteria, and thus can potentially be used to fight infections caused by multi-drug–resistant strains. However, as mobile vectors, phages can also assist bacteria in providing them virulence or resistance genes. Metagenome studies suggest that some phages may be vital for the development of a beneficial microbiome, while other phages may disturb the bacterial balance, leading to various microbial-driven disorders. The complex interplay between phages and bacteria in humans and the outcome of those interactions is largely unexplored.