On March 29, 2018, a meeting of otolaryngologists from the Lviv region was held in Lviv. Among other topics, the possibility of using bacteriophage preparations in ENT practice was discussed. Andriy Vasilievich Tsimar , MD, PhD, Head of the Otolaryngology Department at the Danylo Halytsky National Medical University of Lviv, presented a report on this topic.

Andrei Vasilyevich reminded those present that bacteriophages (phages) are bacterial viruses that were discovered over 100 years ago but were long abandoned in Western medical practice due to the advent of antibiotics. Interest in these antimicrobials is currently returning: in the US, they have been approved for use in the food industry, clinical trials of bacteriophages are underway, and regulatory issues surrounding phage production and use are being discussed.

Unlike antibiotics, bacteriophagesattack only the target pathogenic bacteria, leaving commensal microorganisms intact while simultaneously stimulating the immune system. Phage therapy is considered an effective, safe, and cost-effective approach to treating clinical microbial infections.

Andrey Vasilyevich focused on two bacteriophage preparations registered in Ukraine: Pyofag® and Intestifag®.

Pyofag® is active against purulent pathogens such as Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, and Proteus mirabilis . In ENT practice, it can be applied to cleansed nasal mucosa. "Using 1-2 ml of undiluted Pyofag in each nostril twice daily for 10 days produces excellent results," noted A.V. Tsimar, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sterility of the phage preparation, which remains in the vial. Pyofag® can also be used for rinsing the mouth and throat.

Intestifag® is active primarily against enterobacteria: Shigella flexneri, Shigella sonnei, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis, and Staphylococcus aureus . "Intestifag® is used for intestinal decontamination when there are signs of microbial dysbiosis. The drug should also be used topically and undiluted. Store in the refrigerator, do not freeze," Andrey Vasilyevich reminded, emphasizing the relevance of phage therapy in pediatrics due to its high safety.

He explained in more detail how phages behave in the human body: they penetrate all barriers, enter the bloodstream, where they don't linger because they don't bind to blood proteins, and accumulate in the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes. Phages easily penetrate cavities, particularly the maxillary sinuses. Phage therapy can be used for various respiratory diseases: rhinitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, and tonsillitis. Due to their high penetrating ability, bacteriophages can be more effective than antibiotics in hard-to-reach infection sites. Andrei Vasilyevich also recommended the use of phage therapy for otitis and tympanitis, which are often caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.