Narrative review suggests phytochemicals and phages may augment conventional antibiotics for brucellosis

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Frontiers in Medicine Published May 2, 2026 Medically reviewed May 2, 2026 Study authors: Rajshree Vidyashankar, Subhash Verma DOI ↗ By Dr. Julia Lee, PhD · Oncology, Genomics & Drug Development

Key Takeaway

Consider phytochemicals and phages as potential adjuvants for brucellosis while noting mechanisms remain elusive.

This narrative review explores emerging therapeutic approaches for brucellosis affecting both human and animal populations. The authors examine conventional antibiotic regimens involving streptomycin, doxycycline, or gentamicin, alongside novel interventions such as phytochemicals, bacteriophages, and nano-encapsulation techniques. The scope includes diagnosis, immune response modulation, and economic considerations for livestock management.

The review highlights that conventional antibiotic treatment carries a 15% failure rate. Additionally, there is a documented rise in antimicrobial resistance among Brucella species. Phytochemicals, specifically those rich in polyphenols and terpenoid essential oils, are described as having anti-Brucellar activity. These compounds work by disrupting cell wall and membrane functions, preventing binding to host cells, and inhibiting DNA replication and transcription.

Bacteriophage-mediated strategies are presented as promising diagnostic, therapeutic, and biocontrol agents. The authors suggest these novel approaches could reduce the duration of conventional antibiotic regimens and minimize economic losses. However, the review explicitly states that the precise mechanisms through which these treatments operate remain elusive. Further investigation is warranted before widespread clinical adoption.

The practice relevance section advocates for integrating novel plant-based therapy as an adjuvant treatment option for both human and livestock brucellosis. Phage therapy is proposed as a complementary strategy to augment conventional treatments specifically in livestock settings. The authors maintain a cautious stance, noting that further investigation is required to validate these findings.

Study Details

Study typeSystematic review

EvidenceLevel 1

PublishedMay 2026

View Original Abstract ↓

Brucellosis, a zoonotic disease, triggers severe inflammation and reproductive complications in both humans and animals. The standard treatment protocol relies on prolonged antibiotic courses, often combining streptomycin and doxycycline, or gentamicin and doxycycline, for a duration of six to eight weeks. However, concerns have arisen regarding the efficacy, with a notable 15% failure rate and frequent relapses. The lack of suitable vaccines and the rise of antimicrobial resistance in Brucella spp., due to prolonged antibiotic use further complicate the issue. This review underscores the pressing issue of antibiotic resistance, prompting an exploration of alternative treatment avenues. Phytochemicals like polyphenols and terpenoid rich essential oils have been reported to possess strong anti-Brucellar activity and function by disrupting cell wall and membrane functions, prevent binding to host cells and internalization and inhibit DNA replication and transcription and enzyme synthesis. Similarly, bacteriophages, have demonstrated promise as diagnostic, therapeutic and biocontrol agents in Brucellosis management. The efficacy of bacteriophage mediated strategies can be enhanced by site specific delivery through nano-encapsulation techniques while engineered phages can be used for diagnosis and modulate immune response in host. These alternative therapies have even been found to stimulate innate immunity in host. However, the precise mechanisms through which these treatments operate remain elusive, warranting further investigation. In conclusion, this paper advocates for the integration of novel plant-based therapy as adjuvant treatment option for both human and livestock brucellosis, while phage therapy as complementary strategy to augment the conventional treatments in livestock brucellosis. These non-antibiotic alternatives aim to improve treatment efficacy, reduce the required duration of conventional antibiotic regimens, and minimize economic losses in agriculture. The future of brucellosis management may lie in a multi-faceted approach that combines antibiotics with innovative, natural alternatives.