PHAGE THERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF CUTIBACTERIUM ACNES - INDUCED ACNE: FROM RESEARCH TO CLINICAL APPLICATION PROSPECTS – A NARRATIVE REVIEW
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Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a prevalent dermatological disorder primarily driven by the pathogenic activity of Cutibacterium acnes. The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) Cutibacterium acnes strains and their capacity for complex biofilm formation have significantly compromised the efficacy of conventional antibiotic therapies. This review systematizes scientific evidence ranging from preclinical investigations to early-phase clinical trials regarding phage therapy - a novel approach to acne management. Compiled in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that phage therapy exhibits high specificity, selectively eliminating target bacteria without disrupting the commensal skin microbiota. Furthermore, phages show a potent ability to degrade biofilms and suppress pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1β, IL-8, and TNF-α. The application of phage cocktails, particularly when integrated into advanced drug delivery systems such as hydrogels and liposomes, has shown preliminary efficacy in reducing bacterial load and maintaining a favorable safety profile in human subjects. Despite persistent challenges concerning pharmaceutical stability and formulation, phage therapy offers a promising frontier for personalized treatment and represents a strategic solution to the antibiotic resistance crisis in modern dermatology.
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