A virus that infects and replicates within bacterial cells; literally a 'bacteria-eater' that uses bacteria as hosts for reproduction.
From 'bacterio-' (bacteria) + 'phage' (from Greek 'phagein,' meaning to eat), coined in the early 20th century when scientists discovered viruses that specifically attack bacteria.
Bacteriophages are nature's bacteria killers—they're so specific at targeting bacteria that scientists are now exploring using them as alternatives to antibiotics, which bacteria are becoming resistant to.
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