Szeged researchers launch phage therapy project against drug-resistant hospital infections
Scientists at the Szeged Biological Research Center have begun developing a bacteriophage-based treatment targeting antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in hospitals.
A new research initiative is under way at the Szeged Biological Research Center to create a bacteriophage-based therapy for hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii. Researchers in the Transnational Microbiology Laboratory are evaluating the method’s effectiveness and potential for further development. Funding for the project comes from the Innovate 2026 competition, administered by the Hungarian Research Network (HUN-REN).
The targeted pathogen commonly affects immunocompromised patients in intensive care, leading to serious conditions such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections and wound sepsis. Phage therapy promises a highly specific treatment option that could complement or replace conventional antibiotics in these cases. The team aims to advance the laboratory results toward a market-ready product.
Why it matters
Drug-resistant hospital infections are a growing threat, and a new targeted therapy could improve patient outcomes.
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