EXPLORING T4 BACTERIOPHAGE AS A THERAPEUTIC AGENTS FOR FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE IN VETERINARY MEDICINE
Rishikesh
Paper Contents
Abstract
Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, causing significant economic losses worldwide. Secondary bacterial infections often complicate the disease, exacerbating clinical symptoms and hindering recovery. The overuse of antibiotics to manage these infections contributes to the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study explores the potential of T4 bacteriophages as therapeutic agents for controlling secondary bacterial infections in FMD-affected livestock.The research focuses on isolating and characterizing T4 bacteriophages targeting bacterial pathogens commonly associated with FMD lesions. Phages are evaluated for their lytic efficacy, host range, and stability under various environmental conditions. The study also investigates the development of phage cocktails to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and reduce bacterial resistance. Preliminary in vitro and in vivo experiments assess the safety, efficacy, and compatibility of T4 bacteriophage therapy with existing FMD management practices.The findings aim to demonstrate the potential of T4 bacteriophages as a sustainable and targeted alternative to antibiotics in veterinary medicine. By addressing the challenges of AMR and improving animal health outcomes, this study contributes to the development of innovative approaches for managing infectious diseasesinlivestock
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Copyright © 2025 Rishikesh. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.