An Introduction to Bacteriophages: Basic Science and Clinical Applications

Assessment of Needs

Over the past 2 decades, antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial infections have emerged as one of the most important contributors to global morbidity and mortality. The pace of traditional antibiotic discovery has fallen behind that of the evolution of AMR pathogens, and bacteriophages have recently re-emerged as an effective adjunct to small-molecule antibiotics for the treatment of AMR bacterial infections. This webinar consists of 2 lectures by Graham F. Hatfull, PhD, who will review the basic science of bacteriophages, and Robert T. Schooley, MD, who will provide an overview of the clinical applications. This webinar is designed for those new to the topic and will also prove informative to those who have some experience in this field and would like a review of these concepts.

Basic Principles of Bacteriophages 

Graham F. Hatfull, PhD
University of Pittsburgh

Bacteriophages are the most abundant and diverse biologic agent on Earth. Phage-bacterium dynamics are the major driver of microbial evolution. Phages also serve as a major source of genetic and regulatory novelty, reshaping bacterial genomes and functions. This presentation, along with its accompanying question-and-answer session, will explore the fundamental science of bacteriophages.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

• Describe the basic mechanisms of AMR
• Describe phage-bacterium dynamics and their role in microbial evolution
• Describe the concepts of genetic and regulatory novelty

Clinical Applications of Bacteriophages  

Robert T. Schooley, MD
University of California San Diego

The global crisis of AMR is not solvable by traditional antibiotics. Phages are unique biologic entities that infect their bacterial hosts with great specificity, and they are important tools to combat AMR. This presentation and its accompanying question-and-answer session will delve into the clinical applications, effectiveness, and implementation challenges of phage therapy, including their utility in areas beyond AMR.

Learning Objectives

On completion of this activity, learners will be able to:

• Describe the current global crisis of AMR and the role of bacteriophages in addressing this public health emergency
• List clinical applications of phages beyond AMR, eg, breaking up biofilms, implanted devices, and necrotic tissue

Registration

Who Should Attend

This webinar is designed for clinical decision makers who are actively involved in HIV care and research, including physicians, physician assistants, nursing professionals, pharmacists, and other health care professionals.

Individual registration is required in order to receive CME credit or a certificate of participation.

Registration closes on Monday, June 30, 2025, 10:30 AM (PT).

For more information or questions, please contact the registration department at registration@iasusa.org or 415-544-9400.

Conflicts of Interest

In the interest of maintaining the independence of its continuing medical education (CME) activities, the International Antiviral Society–USA (IAS–USA) requires all persons with control of educational content (eg, faculty, Scientific Leadership Board, Governance Board, and program planner) to disclose any financial relationships with ineligible companies (previously defined as “commercial interests”) that they have had within the past 24 months. Any real or apparent conflicts of interest of those parties are resolved and mitigated prior to the CME activity being delivered. Individuals who refuse to disclose financial interests may not participate in IAS–USA CME activities. 

The Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) defines ineligible companies as “those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.”

IAS–USA will identify and resolve ahead of time any possible conflicts of interest that may influence CME activities with regard to exposition or conclusion. Information about financial relationships with ineligible companies for the presenter and planners/reviewers is below and in the slides prior to the presentation of educational content.

Co-Presenters/Co-Moderators

Dr Hatfull reported no relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies (Updated May 6, 2025)

Dr Schooley reported fees for participation in review activities, eg, data monitoring boards, statistical analysis, or endpoint adjudication committees with Merck & Co., Inc. (Updated April 16, 2025)

Planner/Reviewer

COW Board

The financial relationships of the COW Board can be found here: https://www.iasusa.org/activities/cases-on-the-web/about-cows/cow-webinars-editorial-board/