What is the term for treating bacterial infections using viruses?

The term for treating bacterial infections using viruses is phage therapy. This approach utilizes bacteriophages, which are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, to target and kill pathogenic bacteria effectively. Phage therapy leverages the natural ability of these viruses to find and destroy bacteria, making it a promising alternative to traditional antibiotic treatments, especially in cases of antibiotic resistance.

Phage therapy is particularly beneficial because it can be tailored to the specific bacterial strain causing an infection, leading to targeted action that minimizes collateral damage to the host's beneficial microbiota. This method also provides a potential solution where antibiotics may fail due to resistance, allowing for innovative strategies in managing bacterial infections.

In contrast, the other options involve different mechanisms of treatment. Gene therapy focuses on modifying genes to treat diseases, antibiotic therapy involves the use of antibiotics to inhibit bacterial growth or kill bacteria, and immunotherapy enhances or suppresses the immune response to fight diseases, including cancers or infections. Each of these therapies has its specific applications and does not involve the use of viruses to target bacteria directly, which is the hallmark of phage therapy.