What are phages?

Door fagen gedode bacteriën zijn zichtbaar als doorzichtige cirkels in een laag gekweekte bacteriën.

Natural enemy

Bacteriophages are specialized nanomachines that can only kill bacteria. Every bacterium has its own bacteriophages and there are thousands of bacteria. Bacteriophages are the natural enemy of bacteria and harmless to humans. In fact, our intestines are full of bacteria and phages.

 

Een verzameling diepvries-buisjes die fagen tegen allerlei bacteriën bevatten

Collection

The Fagenbank is working on the construction of a collection of bacteriophages against resistant bacteria that cause infectious diseases. At present, the phage bank contains around 120 different phages against 9 different types of pathogenic bacteria. With your support, the collection will grow rapidly.

Stapels kweekplaten waarop bacteriën gekweekt worden

Where can you find bacteriophages?

Bacteriophages can be found everywhere in nature. There are countless phages in our intestines too. These come into waste water treatment via the sewer system. Here the bacteriophages are sampled and in the lab only the usable bacteriophage species are propagated, further cleaned up and checked for safety.



Scientific studies

Phage therapy has been extensively described in scientific literature. Here you will find a link to a special edition special edition of 'Viruses' waarin in which various aspects of phage therapy are described.