Story perspectives

1.4 Million Dead: Bacteriophages Could Combat Antibiotic Resistance

11/23/2025

35 7

Summary

Story summary

Antibiotic resistance caused 1.4 million deaths in 2024, according to a University of Oxford study.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego, led by Dr. David T. Pride, are exploring bacteriophages as an alternative treatment.
They have used experimental evolution to enhance phage effectiveness against bacteria, including drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Despite skepticism about using viruses for treatment, Pride believes this approach could prove successful across various organisms.

1 of 1

Story summary

Antibiotic resistance caused 1.4 million deaths in 2024, according to a University of Oxford study.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego, led by Dr. David T. Pride, are exploring bacteriophages as an alternative treatment.
They have used experimental evolution to enhance phage effectiveness against bacteria, including drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Despite skepticism about using viruses for treatment, Pride believes this approach could prove successful across various organisms.