Doctors are using bacteria-killing viruses against superbugs that drugs cannot beat

In what seems like an arms race between bacteria and medicine, doctors are turning to something rather unexpected to fight infections that no longer respond to antibiotics: viruses. While viruses are usually associated with making us sick, some of them could actually help save lives by hunting down and killing harmful bacteria.A new approach called phage therapy is gaining attention as scientists look for ways to tackle antibiotic-resistant infections.

The results so far are encouraging. In a study involving 100 patients who received personalised treatment in Belgium, 77% showed an improvement in their condition.

Now, experts from around the world have come together to issue the first international guidelines for using this treatment, bringing it a step closer to becoming part of clinical practice.Fighting bacteria with virusesAntibiotics have been one of modern medicine's greatest achievements. They have made it possible to treat infections that could once be life-threatening, and have transformed everything from routine surgeries to cancer treatment.