Research
Medical Breakthrough: "Phage Commandos" Breach Barriers in 72 Hours! 5-Month-Old with Superbug Colonization Gains New Hope
Date：2025-03-24
From his second month of life, coughing, fever, and wheezing relentlessly plagued Xiaoyu (Pseudonym). Instead of babbling in his mother’s arms, the infant spent 270 agonizing days in hospital ICUs. Due to an underlying condition requiring prolonged ventilator support, Xiaoyu was transferred across multiple hospitals and subjected to various antibiotics—yet the multidrug-resistant bacteria clung stubbornly to his tiny body. The turning point came when the pediatric intensive care team at Children’s Hospital of Fudan University launched a special "bacterial eradication campaign" using phage therapy, reigniting hope for the family.
Biofilm Barriers: Antibiotics Failed to Penetrate
After traveling thousands of kilometers between hospitals, Xiaoyu was weaned off invasive ventilation but still required non-invasive support. His lungs remained colonized by Acinetobacter baumannii, a superbug acting like a ticking time bomb. The bacteria’s biofilm rendered traditional antibiotics ineffective, turning treatment into a protracted battle.
Complex Infection Sites: Hidden Strongholds in the Respiratory System
The intricate structure of the respiratory system provided ideal hiding spots—deep bronchial mucus layers and alveolar recesses—where bacteria evaded antibiotics and physical lavage. Conventional therapies were stuck in a "enemy-in-the-shadows" dilemma.
Immature Immunity: A Fragile Defense System
With an underdeveloped immune system and delicate mucosal barriers, Xiaoyu’s body struggled to fight infections. Broad-spectrum antibiotics further disrupted his microbiome, leaving the resistant bacteria unchecked.
The prolonged battle took a toll on Xiaoyu’s health and his family’s emotional and financial resilience. Upon learning about phage therapy, they journeyed to Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, seeing a glimmer of hope.
Dr. Yan Gangfeng, lead physician of the hospital’s Pediatric Phage Therapy Program, conducted a rigorous evaluation, recognizing both the promise and complexity of this cutting-edge treatment.
Identifying the Enemy
Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis pinpointed the culprit: carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. This step was critical for phage matching.
Tailored "Biological Missiles"
CreatiPhage (Shanghai) Biotech screened its expansive phage library, isolating strains specifically lethal to Xiaoyu’s bacteria. Advanced techniques ensured maximal efficacy and safety.
Nebulized Phage "Airstrike"
From January 28–30, 2025, high-concentration phage solutions (trillions of particles) were nebulized into Xiaoyu’s lungs via ventilator. Dr. Yan personally monitored each session, warming his stethoscope before touching the infant’s chest—a 30-year habit to avoid discomfort.
Within 72 hours, the phages dismantled the bacterial stronghold. As host bacteria were eliminated, residual phages self-degraded, leaving no trace. The treatment resembled "molecular-scale microsurgery"—sparing lung tissue while ending the 5-month bacterial siege. No fever or allergic reactions occurred, underscoring the therapy’s safety.
At follow-up, Xiaoyu’s sputum cultures were negative, and his relieved parents finally smiled again.
Dr. Yan Gangfeng explained:"Supported by Prof. Lu Guoping’s '14th Five-Year Plan' major project, our team pioneered pediatric phage therapy in 2024, successfully treating multiple drug-resistant infections. Unlike antibiotics’ 'carpet bombing,' phages are precision snipers—they target specific bacteria without harming beneficial flora. Combined with antibiotics, they reduce dosages and resistance risks, ideal for children."
Xiaoyu’s case highlights phage therapy’s potential for chronic infections. Personalized protocols enhance efficacy, and advances in gene editing and synthetic biology promise even sharper precision.
Reposted from Children’s Hospital of Fudan University
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