In response to the global spread of antimicrobial resistance, there is an increased demand for novel and innovative antimicrobials. Bacteriophages have been known for their potential clinical utility in lysing bacteria for almost a century. Social pressures and the concomitant introduction of antibiotics in the mid-1900s hindered the widespread adoption of these naturally occurring bactericides. Recently, however, phage therapy has re-emerged as a promising strategy for combatting antimicrobial resistance. A unique mechanism of action and cost-effective production promotes phages as an ideal solution for addressing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, particularly in lower- and middle-income countries. As the number of phage-related research labs worldwide continues to grow, it will be increasingly important to encourage the expansion of well-developed clinical trials, the standardization of the production and storage of phage cocktails, and the advancement of international collaboration. In this review, we discuss the history, benefits, and limitations of bacteriophage research and its current role in the setting of addressing antimicrobial resistance with a specific focus on active clinical trials and case reports of phage therapy administration.

Background: As people living with HIV (PWH) age, they face new challenges that can have a negative impact on their quality of life (QOL) and mental health. Setting: This study enrolled PWH at the end of life (EOL) who were actively engaged in cure-related research in Southern California, United States. EOL was defined as having a prognosis of 6 months or less to live. We examined the relationship between QOL, mental health, and research participation. Methods: Structured assessments were used to collect comprehensive data on QOL and mental health. Results: From 2017 to 2023, 35 PWH in their final stages of life who were actively engaged in cure-related research were enrolled. Their median age was 62.7 years, and most were White or otherwise non-Hispanic/non-Latino (90.6%), and male (86.7%). Changes in QOL and the presence of neurologic and psychiatric conditions, with a focus on depression and anxiety, were the primary outcomes assessed in this study. Participants had stable QOL scores throughout the study. There was an inverse relationship between QOL and Beck Depression Inventory scores, with higher mean QOL scores being associated with lower mean Beck Depression Inventory scores (P < 0.001). Conclusions: QOL remained stable among PWH who participate in cure-related research at EOL. The inverse relationship between QOL and depressive symptoms suggests that participation in cure-related research may improve QOL or reduce depressive symptoms in this population. Future interventions should look into ways to improve the well-being of PWH at EOL through research and customized mental health interventions.