Synergistic potential of probiotics and bacteriophages in combating multidrug-resistant microbial infections: A novel therapeutic strategy for the post-antibiotic era

In recent years, the rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens has posed a global health crisis, necessitating the exploration of alternative therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. Among emerging solutions, the combination of probiotics and bacteriophages has gained significant attention due to their complementary mechanisms in targeting pathogenic bacteria while preserving host microbiota. This review comprehensively evaluates the molecular interactions, synergistic effects, safety profiles, and clinical applicability of probiotic-phage combinations in managing MDR infections. We also discuss challenges related to formulation, delivery, regulatory considerations, and future directions for translating this approach into clinical practice. The integration of probiotics and phage therapy represents a promising avenue to address antibiotic resistance, offering a personalized, targeted, and microbiome-friendly antimicrobial strategy.