At the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre, a team led by Dr Mwila Kabwe and Professor Joseph Tucci is conducting pioneering research on bacteriophages—viruses that selectively target and eliminate harmful bacteria. This work is expanding treatment options for chronic infections, inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers, with a particular emphasis on improving outcomes for rural patients.
Antibiotic resistance complicates the management of persistent infections. The research team is investigating bacteriophage applications to reduce inflammation and target bacteria associated with conditions such as periodontitis, sepsis, pneumonia, and specific cancers.
“Our work at the Holsworth Biomedical Research Centre is focused on harnessing the potential of bacteriophages to address antibiotic resistance and improve health outcomes for rural communities. By developing innovative therapies and collaborating with leading institutions, we aim to bridge gaps in healthcare and offer new hope to patients facing chronic and life-threatening diseases.” Professor Joseph Tucci
Key achievements include the development of a cost-effective, sensitive method for testing bacteriophages to assess their safety for delivery to patients. The research portfolio now includes PhD projects on bacteriophage therapy for periodontitis and oral cancers, contributing to scientific advancement and researcher training.
Strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute, Melbourne Dental School, and Flinders University are accelerating progress and expanding the research impact.
Recent peer-reviewed publications, including Kabwe et al. (2025), Journal of Oral Microbiology, provide a strong foundation for future clinical trials and new therapies. The overarching goal is to develop innovative treatments tailored to the needs of rural communities, bridging healthcare gaps and offering hope to patients with chronic and difficult-to-treat diseases.
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