Probiophage: A Novel Candidate for the Treatment of Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD): A Systematic Review

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic condition characterized by gastrointestinal inflammation, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, and rectal bleeding. While the exact etiology of IBD remains unclear, factors such as immune dysfunction, genetic predisposition, and gut microbiota dysbiosis play significant roles.

Current treatments include medications and surgeries, but these often fail to address the underlying microbial imbalances. Research highlights that IBD patients frequently exhibit reduced gut microbiota diversity and an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.

Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917, have shown promise in alleviating symptoms, while bacteriophages are emerging as a novel therapeutic option. This systematic review explores the concept of probiophages, a synergistic combination of probiotics and bacteriophages, as a potential breakthrough in IBD treatment. We examine the roles of gut microbiota, bacteriophages, and probiotics in IBD pathogenesis and therapy, focusing on their combined effects in restoring microbial balance and reducing inflammation.

Despite promising preclinical and clinical findings, further research is needed to optimize probiophage formulations, validate their efficacy, and ensure long-term safety.

This review underscores the importance of advancing probiophage-based therapies as a safer and more effective alternative to conventional IBD treatments, addressing the urgent need for innovative approaches in managing this complex disease.