Why combining phages and antibiotics is the best solution for persistent infections

Living with an infection that won’t heal is an exhausting battle. You may have already taken several antibiotic treatments, experiencing short moments of relief followed by painful relapses. This feeling of being stuck is the reality for many patients suffering from resistant bacteria.

Yet, another solution exists. The future of care doesn’t necessarily mean replacing antibiotics, but helping them with natural allies: bacteriophages (or “phages”). Using both together is a very effective precision strategy today.

Why antibiotics fail: The bacterial shield

To understand why treatments fail, you need to know that in a long-term infection, bacteria are not isolated. They group together and produce a sort of protective “glue” called a biofilm.

Visual note: Imagine a fortified city where the walls prevent medicine from entering to reach the enemy.

This biofilm acts as a real shield. Antibiotics struggle to pass through this layer. Moreover, well-hidden, the bacteria fall asleep, making them insensitive to medication. This is where phages change the game.

Why unity is strength: The Phage-Antibiotic collaboration

Phages and antibiotics do not interfere with each other; on the contrary, they work as a team following specific steps:

1. A custom test (The PST)

First of all, we check which phages are capable of specifically killing your bacteria. It is a personalized test: we don’t give a random treatment, but a protocol adapted to your unique case.

2. Piercing the protective wall

Phages possess natural tools to “nibble” and pierce the bacterial shield. The process happens in three stages:

• The Opening: Phages break the biofilm protection.
• Infiltration: Antibiotics can finally enter and kill the hidden bacteria.
• The Trap: To try to escape phages, bacteria must sometimes change their shape. In doing so, they often become fragile again against antibiotics they previously ignored.

Your care journey in Georgia

Georgia, and particularly the Eliava Institute, has over 100 years of expertise in this field. Here is how your care is handled:

1. Pre-evaluation: Analysis of your medical file by our experts.
2. Sample analysis: Sending your samples to confirm compatibility with our phage banks.
3. On-site treatment: A 2 to 4-week stay to administer the treatment under medical supervision.
4. Follow-up: A consolidation protocol is often continued once you return home.

Safety and Transparency

It is normal to feel apprehensive about a different kind of treatment. Here is what you need to know:

• Effectiveness: Results are very encouraging, especially for complex bone or urinary tract infections.
• Side effects: They are rare and generally mild (slight fever), a sign that your body is eliminating the destroyed bacteria.
• Precision: Phages are “intelligent”: they only attack the bad bacteria and protect your gut flora.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can phages and antibiotics be taken at the same time?
Yes, it is even recommended. The antibiotic weakens the colony while the phages destroy the protective shield.

How long should I stay in Georgia?
The standard duration is 14 to 21 days to allow for precise treatment adjustment.

What if the bacteria changes during treatment?
That is the advantage of phages: unlike fixed medications, they are “living” and evolve to keep tracking the bacteria.