Towards phage therapy for acne vulgaris: Topical application in a mouse model

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a common neutrophile-driven inflammatory skin disorder in which Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) bacteria play a significant role. Until now, antibiotics have been widely used to treat acne vulgaris, with the inevitable increase in bacterial antibiotic resistance. Phage therapy is a promising solution to the rising problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, utilizing viruses that specifically lyse bacteria. Here, we explored the feasibility of phage therapy against C. acnes. By combining eight novel phages we had isolated, together with commonly used antibiotics, we achieved 100% eradication of clinically isolated C. acnes strains. Using topical phage therapy in an acne mouse model resulted in significantly superior clinical scores, as well as a reduction in neutrophil infiltration compared to the control group. These results demonstrate the potential of phage therapy in acne vulgaris treatment, especially when antibiotic-resistant strains are involved.