Chapter 1: Love and Science

Imagine having so much love for your partner that you'd consider injecting him with billions of viruses. Surprisingly, these aren't the typical viruses like HIV or the flu. I'm referring to bacteriophages, or phages, which are viruses specifically designed to target and eliminate bacteria. These tiny entities became my last hope to eradicate the devastating infection plaguing my husband.

When conventional medicine failed to provide a cure for Tom’s life-threatening infection, it was time to explore alternative avenues. Tom and I had spent years battling viruses as researchers, and now, as a couple, we found ourselves in an unexpected alliance with these microorganisms. Tom had fallen into a coma after contracting a superbug, Acinetobacter baumannii, during a vacation just three months prior.

After being informed that there were no further treatment options available for Tom, I found myself searching for answers. One evening, while caring for our pets and reflecting on our journey together, I remembered a saying: “If you can’t find something where it’s supposed to be, look where it’s not supposed to be.” With that thought in mind, I began researching phage therapy.

As I sat with our Maine coon cat, Newton, I watched a slideshow of our memories together, reminiscing about our adventures across more than 50 countries. We had both dedicated our lives to science, but nature was our true passion. Our escapades had been full of challenges and surprises, from close encounters with wildlife to navigating the jungles of Borneo.

In the vast tapestry of life, our paths intertwined through our shared commitment to science. I, an epidemiologist, and Tom, an evolutionary biologist, had been working in HIV research for years before our worlds collided. Our first date revealed his amusing stories, including one about his time studying a gorilla named Dolly at the San Diego Zoo, where he humorously recounted the antics of both the gorilla and her jealous mate.

Tom's wit was a magnet for me, especially since I often struggled to understand humor. I had always approached life with a literal mindset, but Tom's playful nature slowly taught me to appreciate the lighter side of life. The last three months spent by his side in the ICU showed me that humor could also serve as a bridge during difficult times. Desperate to connect with him, I resorted to unconventional methods, hoping to spark a flicker of recognition.

If necessity is the mother of invention, I was on the brink of becoming a mad scientist. With Newt beside me and scientific databases at my fingertips, I delved into the world of phages. These viruses, which have existed for eons, are natural predators of bacteria. The trick was to identify the right phages that could target Tom's specific infection.

I discovered a network of phage researchers willing to help create a unique phage cocktail derived from sewage, an unlikely but effective source. However, phage therapy was considered experimental in North America and only permitted in dire situations. That was precisely our circumstance.

In our healthier days, Tom and I often pondered whether we would risk our lives for the sake of scientific advancement. The answer was always a resounding yes. Now, that hypothetical had become a reality.

On the morning of Tom’s treatment, I noticed Bullock’s orioles returning to our yard, a hopeful sign amidst the turmoil. For the first time in a while, there were no distressing calls from the hospital. However, as I signed the consent forms authorizing the experimental treatment, a wave of fear washed over me. What if this unconventional approach led to his demise? Would I ever be able to forgive myself?

Despite my fears, I knew Tom would prefer to take a chance rather than succumb without a fight. The transition from being a loving couple to navigating this harrowing situation had left us feeling isolated. I chose to trust in science, and fortunately, Tom survived to share our story.

Steffanie Strathdee, PhD, serves as the associate dean of global health sciences and co-director of the Center for Innovative Phage Applications and Therapeutics at the University of California, San Diego. Alongside her husband, Thomas Patterson, she co-authored "The Perfect Predator: A Scientist’s Race to Save Her Husband From a Deadly Superbug," published by Hachette Books.

Chapter 2: Phage Therapy Explained

In this first video, explore the concept of phage therapy, detailing how these viruses can be harnessed to combat bacterial infections.

The second video offers insights into the history and science behind phages, illustrating their significance in modern medicine.