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The dramatic, tragic, long-suppressed story of a forgotten and life-saving cure, and the scientists who discovered and are now reviving it
First discovered in 1917, bacteriophages—or “phages”—are living viruses that devour bacteria. Ubiquitous in the environment, they are found in water, soil, inside plants and animals, and in the human body. When phages were first recognized as medicines, their promise seemed limitless. Grown by research scientists and physicians in France, the Soviet Union, and elsewhere to target specific bacteria, they cured cholera, dysentery, bubonic plague, and other deadly infectious diseases. But after Stalin’s brutal purges and the rise of antibiotics, phage therapy declined and nearly was lost to history—until today.
In The Living Medicine, acclaimed science journalist Lina Zeldovich reveals the remarkable history of phages, told through the lives of the French, Soviet, and American scientists who discovered, developed, and are reviving this unique cure for seemingly intractable diseases. Ranging from Paris to Soviet Georgia to Egypt, India, South Africa, remote islands in the Far East, and America, The Living Medicine shows how phages once saved tens of thousands of lives. Today, with our antibiotic shield collapsing, Zeldovich demonstrates how phages are making our food safe and, in cases of dire emergency, rescuing people from the brink of death. They may be humanity’s best defense against the pandemics to come.
Filled with adventure, human ambition, tragedy, technology, irrepressible scientists and the excitement of their innovation, The Living Medicine offers a vision of how our future may be saved by knowledge from the past.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this review copy!

Lina Zeldovich’s book, The Living Medicine: How a Lifesaving Cure Was Nearly Lost—and Why It Will Rescue Us When Antibiotics Fail, explores the world of bacteriophages, or phages. These are viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria, offering a potential solution to the growing crisis of antibiotic resistance.

The book delves into the tumultuous history of phages, from their discovery in 1917 to their near obscurity as antibiotics took center stage in the mid-20th century. Zeldovich explores the reasons behind this shift, including the ease of production, the use of antibiotics compared to phages, and the rise of powerful pharmaceutical companies.

However, with the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, phages are re-emerging as a potential weapon in our fight against infectious diseases. The book examines the current research and development efforts around phage therapy, highlighting its potential to combat a wide range of infections.

As antibiotic resistance escalates into a global health crisis, Zeldovich’s work becomes both timely and essential, shedding light on an ancient remedy that may hold the key to our future.

Zeldovich’s storytelling is engaging and accessible, skillfully blending rigorous scientific detail with personal narratives and historical context. She delves into the lives of pioneering scientists who first discovered and utilized phages, such as Félix d’Hérelle and George Eliava, and navigates through the complex socio-political landscapes that influenced their work.

She also provides a detailed account of the geopolitical dynamics that influenced medical research, especially during the Cold War era. In the West, antibiotics became the standard treatment for bacterial infections, leading to the neglect of phage therapy. Meanwhile, in places like Georgia, phage research flourished, resulting in a rich repository of knowledge and experience that has now become invaluable as the world faces the looming crisis of antibiotic resistance.

The author’s ability to weave together historical accounts and scientific explanations makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read. She also adds anecdotes and case studies, illustrating the profound impact of phage therapy on individuals who had exhausted all other medical options. These stories not only humanize the science but also serve as powerful testimonials to the efficacy of phages.

Her personal connection to the topic adds a rich layer to the narrative. Zeldovich draws on her family’s experiences in the Soviet Union, where phage therapy was a common and successful practice. This intimate frame of reference enriches the book, providing a unique perspective on how cultural and political factors shape scientific advancements and healthcare practices.

Zeldovich also explores the innovative research and technological advancements that are propelling phages back into the spotlight. She discusses the potential of genetic engineering to enhance phage efficacy and the promise of personalized medicine tailored to individual patients’ infections. The book builds a compelling argument for why phages should be integrated into the mainstream medical arsenal, especially as the pipeline for new antibiotics dries up. The author also emphasizes the global implications of antibiotic resistance and the need for international collaboration in combating bacterial infections. She highlights how phages offer a ray of hope not only for wealthy nations grappling with antibiotic resistance but also for low-resource settings where access to antibiotics is limited.

Strengths:

• THE LIVING MEDICINE tackles a critical issue in public health: antibiotic resistance. As antibiotics become less effective, phages offer a promising alternative. The book also provides a historical perspective on phage therapy, explaining its decline and resurgence.

• The narrative is enriched with vivid descriptions and compelling characters, from passionate scientists to desperate patients, which keeps the reader invested throughout.

Concerns:

• The book focuses heavily on the potential of phages, with less exploration of the current challenges in bringing phage therapy to mainstream medicine. While the book avoids overly technical jargon, there are sections that might be challenging for readers unfamiliar with scientific concepts. At times, the story jumps from one focus to another, making it sometimes hard to follow the narrative.

• While THE LIVING MEDICINE is largely an optimistic account of phages’ potential, Zeldovich does not shy away from discussing the challenges. She addresses the regulatory hurdles, the need for rigorous clinical trials, and the skepticism within the medical community. However, some readers may find the book’s enthusiasm for phages occasionally overshadows these critical perspectives.

This book is a well-researched and informative book that sheds light on a promising area of medical research. It offers a compelling look at phages and their potential to revolutionize how we treat infectious diseases. It is important to note that phage therapy is still in its preliminary stages of development, and more research is needed to determine its efficacy and safety for widespread use. The book does seem to be grounded in scientific research, making the potential of phage therapy seem authentic. To me, it seems like it was written with a scientific background in mind. To that end, this book is highly recommended for medical professionals, microbiologists, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of healthcare. It also serves as a valuable resource for policy makers and educators looking to understand and address the challenges posed by antibiotic resistance. Zeldovich’s work serves as both a wakeup call and a beacon of hope. This book not only informs but also inspires, making a compelling case for the revival of phage therapy in modern medicine.

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