From:  Exploiting bacteriophage as a potential new generation antibiotic alternative: hypothetical prototype and clinical progress

 Key differences show bacteriophages as a better option for the clinical treatment of bacterial infections.

AntibioticsBacteriophagesReferences
They are specific for their site of action. But not for the targeted host. For example, neomycin restricts protein synthesis mainly in Gram-negative bacteria, but it is not sensitive to specific bacterial species.Have highly specific surface proteins that can recognize their host at the species and strain level (bacterial species) through receptors present on host outer structures, including peptidoglycan, teichoic acid, glycolipids, and capsule.[38–42]
Antibiotics generally have a broad range of action. It also affects other bacterial commensals badly, causing microbial imbalance and increasing the chance of secondary infection.A narrow range of bacteriophage host selection ensures very low effects on normal flora and no selective pressure. Therefore, endogenous bacteria remain protected and prevent multidrug resistance.[43–46]
An antibiotic is a chemical (drug) extracted from an organic source (mainly microbes) or synthesised by chemical reactions.Bacteriophages can be used as cargo for transferring antibiotic genes inside the bacterium to bypass the bacterial membrane-alteration mechanism to become resistant.[47]
Antibiotics are toxic to consume. Their side effects and complications with longer usage include intestinal disorders, allergies, and secondary infections.Bacteriophage genes causing toxicity can be altered or removed using genetic engineering.[47, 48]
Antibiotic prescription considers the minimum inhibitory concentration of the infection-causing microbe. Physicians use to prescribe it in a regimen.Bacteriophage replicates itself inside the host. Its single dose maintains a sufficient number to kill bacterial infection.[49]
Antibiotic discovery and modification are time-consuming processes with a very high cost.Bacteriophage present in abundance. Their isolation and modification are comparatively less costly.[50]
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