Biofilm on bone and implants shields bacteria from antibiotics
Sometimes, relapse persists despite repeated surgery and prolonged antibiotics

Lyse their specific bacterial host
Self-amplify at the site of infection
Degrade biofilm and act synergistically with antibiotics


71–78% success reported in bone and joint infection series
77% clinical improvement in 100 magistral phage cases

Adjunctive phage therapy was feasible and well tolerated in two complex MSSA bone and joint infections, with rapid clinical and biological improvement.

Local delivery — intra-operative instillation and through the drain — was simple, reproducible and matched the route most reported in these infections.

Although they are a good complement, they do not replace, debridement and antibiotics; controlled studies are needed to define indications, dose and duration.