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Scientists have begun a desperate search for drug alternatives
as bacteria have grown more and more resistant to standard antibiotics.
One of their attempts consisted of trying to link up viruses to
harmful bacteria and use them as a form of protection against intruders.
This method might sound like a new approach, however it is a remedy
that has been revived from the past.
The use of bacteriophages (phages), or bacteria-eating viruses,
has been practiced over the decades in both India and the Soviet
Union.
Some researchers have expressed skepticism over trying this approach
on people and releasing a self-replicating virus into a patient’s
bloodstream. One of the companies that has been developing these
viruses for medical purposes is called GangaGen.
Although phage treatments in the form of topical medications are
headed in the direction of a comeback, they are considered riskier
than drugs. The viruses are perceived as riskier because of their
tendencies to rapidly multiply, which in certain situations might
result in the production of toxic chemicals.
As a way to address this issue, GangaGen, which will begin human
tests in India, has implemented the use of genetic engineering in
efforts to reduce the risk of toxic chemicals.
Scientists are far more concerned that the viruses have the capability
of killing people due to the toxic genes the viruses carry. Scientists
explained that in the event that a phage replicates, it might pick
up a toxin-coding gene from its host, which could then result in
lethal consequences.
To counter this potential problem, researchers working on the GangaGen
advisory board designed the first virus that does not penetrate
its host.
New
York Times May 18, 2004
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