Translational Bacteriophage Research Group
Joint working group of the Translational Research Unit Infectious Diseases (TRU-ID) of the Division of Infectious Diseases, Department I of Internal Medicine, and the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene at the University Hospital Cologne.
The global rise in antimicrobial resistance is complicating the management of bacterial infectious diseases. Alternative anti-infective therapeutic strategies may offer promising treatment options. The Translational Bacteriophage Research Group focuses on the use of bacteriophages (phages) as a complement or alternative to conventional antibiotics in the treatment of infectious diseases.
The global increase in bacterial resistance to antibiotics poses a direct threat to public health. The therapeutic use of bacteriophages (phages) is considered a promising non-traditional approach in the fight against resistant bacteria. Phages are "viruses of bacteria," and bacterial pathogens that are resistant to conventional antibiotics can often be lysed by phages. Successful phage therapies for various diseases and against diverse target pathogens have already been reported in case studies and early clinical trials, although currently there is a lack of high-quality scientific evidence on the topic. This is one reason why therapeutic use of phages in Germany remains limited. In episode 85 of the DZIF-funded “Infektiopod” podcast, Dr. Claßen and Dr. Würstle from Frankfurt University Hospital provide insight into phage therapy and research.
The aim of the Translational Bacteriophage Research Group is to study phages “from bench to bedside” against clinically relevant pathogens, and to promote the implementation of phage therapy through participation in (inter)national networks and health policy activities.
Research Focus
- Translational evaluation of phage use for selective decolonization of multidrug-resistant pathogens and for the treatment of bacterial infectious diseases
- Evaluation of the influence of bacterial surface structures on phage sensitivity
- Evaluation of phage-antibiotic synergies
Phage-A-CRAB:
Infections caused by resistant strains of the clinically relevant, gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii are associated with high mortality, due to a lack of effective antibiotics. This DZIF-funded project investigates how changes in surface structure of A. baumannii affect phage sensitivity, aiming to improve future treatment strategies. A key aspect is the study of phage-antibiotic synergies.
PhageSurf:
This project focuses on the interaction between phages and medical devices such as bioreactors and catheter systems used in phage production and therapy. It aims to assess phage adsorption to these surfaces under realistic conditions, as this could significantly impact the production and efficacy of phage therapeutics. The project is funded by DZIF and conducted in cooperation with Dr. Silvia Würstle from Frankfurt University Hospital.
Bridge2Phage-Alliance:
An international network aimed at bridging knowledge gaps in translational phage research. Funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, it is led by Dr. Claßen in cooperation with Prof. Vehreschild (Clinical Infectiology, Frankfurt). The alliance covers the full spectrum from preclinical research to production, therapy, and post-therapy studies. The goal is to develop joint scientific projects and establish a long-term international network.
Cologne Phage-Bank:
Supported by the Maria Pesch Foundation, this project is establishing a local phage collection at the Institute of Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Hygiene, targeting clinically relevant bacterial pathogens.
PhageLIVE (from 2026):
This DZIF-funded project aims to develop an innovative strategy for selective decolonization of multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli in the gut—especially in high-risk patients such as those with cancer. It evaluates combinations of phages with live probiotic bacteria (Live Biotherapeutic Products, LBP) in preclinical models. Partners include Prof. Dr. Till Strowig and Dr. Lisa Osbelt-Block from the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig.
More information
Standardizing microbiological diagnostics is essential for implementing phage-based therapies. Currently, unlike for antibiotics, there is no reference method for testing phage efficacy against bacteria. Recently, a subcommittee for Phage Susceptibility Testing (PST) was established by EUCAST (European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing), where Dr. Claßen is actively involved in developing a new reference method.
DZIF Translational Phage-Network
This network aims to unite phage-focused researchers, clinicians, and veterinary professionals in Germany, and to facilitate exchange with pharmaceutical producers and regulatory authorities. It seeks to advance phage research, development, and therapy in Germany. Since its founding in 2022, it has been co-coordinated by Dr. Claßen and Dr. Simone Lieberknecht-Jouy (Frankfurt).
Medical Guideline on Personalized Bacteriophage Therapy in Germany (AWMF S2k Guideline, Reg. No. 092-003)
This upcoming guideline will provide recommendations for personalized phage production and therapy, particularly addressing legal and logistical aspects in Germany. It is coordinated by Dr. Claßen in collaboration with Prof. Maria Vehreschild, Dr. Lieberknecht-Jouy, and Dr. Würstle, under the patronage of the German Society for Infectiology.
Phagistry
To standardize and analyze experiences from compassionate-use phage therapy cases, the international anonymous patient registry Phagistry was established. Dr. Claßen was closely involved in developing the dataset and is a member of its Scientific Steering Committee.
Team
Maximilian Becke (Laboratory Technical Assistant)
Vivien Persy (Laboratory Technical Assistant)
Nina Schönwälder (Projektkoordination)
Afsha Ahmad (Project coordination)