Towards Precision Therapy in Infectious Diseases – Personalizing Bacteriophage and Antibiotic Treatments
Grant Amount: NIS 4.2 Million
About the Project
The Covid-19 crisis has somewhat overshadowed the existence of other threats, such as the alarming emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which results in a daily death toll of about 20 people in Israel. The research team focuses on the use of bacteriophages – viruses that kill bacteria efficiently and precisely. A significant advantage in using bacteriophages is the researchers’ ability to change and adapt them when a bacterium develops resistance. In addition, because they accurately target bacteria, they do not cause damage to the “beneficial” microbiome bacteria. Furthermore, their accuracy ensures that the treatment is personally tailored to each patient.
Research Team
Dr. Ronen Hazan
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Institute of Dental Sciences and Faculty of Dental Medicine)
Dr. Daniel Barkan
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (School of Veterinary Medicine, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture)
Prof. Ran Nir-Paz
Hadassah Medical Center (Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases)
Prof. Michal Baniyash
The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Lautenberg Center for Immunology, Faculty of Medicine) 
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