ABSTRACT
The growing hazard of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria causing severe diseases in humans and animals has made the search for alternative ways to control pathogens more urgent. For several decades, bacteriophages were considered antimicrobials, but were later superseded by antibiotics. Recently, bacteriophages have again become objects of interest. To gain a deeper insight into the topic, some aspects of phage ecology, morphology, physiology, genetics, classification and host–phage interaction are described. An historical review, the application of bacterial viruses and the current market situation are discussed.
