👉 Phi-infection is a term that combines elements from phage therapy, which uses viruses called bacteriophages to target and destroy specific bacteria, with the concept of infection. In this context, phi-infection refers to the process where a phage, specifically one belonging to the lambda (λ) phage family, infects a bacterial host by injecting its genetic material into the cell. This genetic material then hijacks the bacterial machinery to produce more phages, ultimately leading to the lysis (bursting) of the bacterial cell and the release of new phages. Phi-infection is a highly specific process, as each phage typically targets only certain bacterial strains, making it a promising approach in combating antibiotic-resistant infections by offering a targeted and potentially more sustainable alternative to conventional antibiotics.
