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Page No. : 12-21

ABSTRACT

The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has intensified the search for alternative strategies to combat bacterial pathogens such as Salmonella enterica, a major cause of foodborne illnesses and zoonotic infections worldwide. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect and lyse bacteria, have re-emerged as promising biocontrol agents owing to their high host specificity, self-amplifying nature, and minimal impact on commensal microbiota. This review explores the diverse applications of Salmonella specific phages across therapeutic, diagnostic, food safety, and environmental contexts. It highlights the advances in phage therapy for both human and veterinary medicine, phage-based interventions in pre- and post-harvest food systems, and the role of engineered phages in diagnostics and biofilm control. Additionally, it examines the regulatory landscape and the development of commercial phage products. Despite existing challenges such as phage resistance and regulatory hurdles, innovations in phage engineering and delivery systems position Salmonella phages as critical tools in mitigating AMR and ensuring public health under a One Health framework.

Keywords: Antimicrobial resistance, bacteriophage therapy, biocontrol, biofilms, phage diagnostics, Salmonella phages