THE BACTERIOPHAGE

Abstract

3. CLINICAL EVIDENCE REGARDING USEFULNESS OF PHAGE IN TREATING INFECTIOUS DISEASES In concluding their extensive and critical review of the earlier literature on the phage treatment of human infections, Eaton and Bayne-Jones¹stated that in their judgment the evidence for the therapeutic value of phage was largely contradictory. They granted the existence of convincing data in only two fields, namely the treatment of localized staphylococcic infections and cystitis. Since 1934 many more clinical reports have accumulated and we have attempted to summarize in the following section the relevant facts pro and con gleaned from these recent publications. The evaluation of practically any therapeutic modality is admittedly difficult, and an analysis of the clinical application of phage presents no exception to the general rule. Many of the papers are based on inadequate clinical series or are frankly polemical. Even when these objections are met it is no easy matter to