Scientist handling a Petri dish under a laminar-flow hood in a phage therapy laboratory in Georgia

Antibiotic-resistant infection: understand phage therapy and your options in Georgia

Information about phage therapy, its legal status in Europe, and organising a medical stay in Tbilisi. Any decision should be made with your doctor.

    POUR ETRE CONTACTE

    Get free information about phage therapy

    Drawing on our experience and contacts in Georgia, we connect you with specialist physicians and organise your stay: appointments, interpreting and logistical support.

    I have lived in Georgia for about 10 years. I have helped many people connect with Georgian physicians and organise a stay to explore phage therapy. I hope to be useful to anyone who needs support. I provide as much general information as possible free of charge.

    Portrait d'Alain Lavit, fondateur de "Se Soigner en Géorgie" et de "phagetherapygeorgia.eu", une structure qui accompagne les patients francophones vers la phagothérapie à l'Institut Eliava de Tbilissi.
    Alain LAVIT
    phagetherapygeorgia.eu

    WHAT IS PHAGE THERAPY?

    The use of naturally occurring viruses (bacteriophages) that specifically target and destroy pathogenic bacteria without harming the rest of the microbiome. Watch this introduction to phage treatment on YouTube; more details are available throughout this website.
    Les médecins géorgiens pratiquent la phagothérapie depuis plusieurs décennies et disposent d'une longue expérience clinique dans ce domaine.

    GEORGIAN PHYSICIANS’ EXPERIENCE IN PHAGE THERAPY

    Thank you Phage therapy Georgia!

    Georges

    The trip was superbly organized, with no missteps. Thanks to you, I was able to arrange this trip, which I would not have known how to organize otherwise in such a different country!”

    Phage therapy saved my arm.

    Christian TIXIER

    Diagnosed with a Staphylococcus aureus infection in my elbow following a motorcycle accident, after undergoing 36 surgeries under general anesthesia and right before facing amputation in France, I discovered phage therapy and “Healing in Georgia.” They helped me organize my stay, medical appointments, provided an interpreter, translated my medical records, and more. Ultimately, they facilitated
    …

    I saved my leg

    Alain

    Phew! Finally, a moment of calm! Since Friday, I’ve been on my February holiday! I’m taking advantage of this quiet moment to finally write to you and wish you all the best for a happy and prosperous 2023. I hope you are well! Yes, I’ve returned to work at the high school since September 1st!
    …

    Cured of a staphylococcus infection on a knee prosthesis through phage therapy.

    Thierry De Passemar

    Thank you, Georgia! Thank you, phages! Thank you, Medical care in Georgia! After a knee operation and the installation of a semi-compartmental prosthesis, I was infected by an extremely virulent golden staphylococcus and ended up in septic shock within 48 hours. I was operated on again to replace the prosthesis and deeply clean the knee,
    …

    Eric – autistic

    Eric

    My son Eric, 22 years old, is autistic. Following phage therapy in Georgia, he is doing rather well. He recently underwent intestinal microbiota analysis, and it can be said that the phages have thoroughly CLEANED UP! There’s no trace of unwanted bacteria left, with abundant and absolutely normal intestinal flora. Eric no longer has any
    …

    Thank you, Mr. Lavit

    As I was unable to bring my brother to Tbilisi, I would like to thank Mr. Lavit, who generously and voluntarily helped advise me at every stage: 1. How to send a bacterial strain to Georgia, which carrier to use, and how to proceed. 2. To insist with the Eliava Center whenever difficulties arose, in
    …

    Françoise GAUTIER

    We were delighted with our stay, both at the hotel and at the clinic, thanks to the competence and kindness of the staff. The organization by the agency “Healing in Georgia” is perfect, and we have no hesitation in recommending their services. My mobile number in case anyone wants more information: +33(0)6 07 73 63
    …

    Bone and joint infection and staphylococcus aureus

    After a knee operation, I was infected with golden staphylococcus. After years of antibiotics, nothing could treat it. Worse, this staphylococcus was very “virulent” and I had several bouts of septicemia. My infectious disease doctor confirmed that I needed to stay close to a hospital as the septicemia could return very quickly and I could
    …

    Organization and Service

    Madame F.D

    It is worth noting that the organization was remarkable both in terms of logistics and human support: – Management of travel and accommodation arrangements. – The presence of an outstanding interpreter on-site: Tamouna, supported by the highly efficient Zviad. – Appointments were handled completely and with great reliability. Written on January 6, 2019, by Mrs.
    …

    Gérard PAUL

    Gérard PAUL

    I am 69 years old and had been suffering from painful recurrent urinary tract infections for about 10 years. I was taking antibiotics every six months, but they only provided temporary relief. I learned about phage therapy through TV interviews (see these TV appearances: [YouTube link]). In January 2020, I went to Tbilisi, Georgia, for
    …

    Healed from a urinary tract infection.

    I am delighted to share my experience with phage therapy. For 5 years, I had a urinary tract infection that caused me a lot of pain and discomfort, but no treatment or doctor could alleviate it. However, I discovered phage therapy on the internet and decided to go to Georgia to get treated. I am
    …

    Klebsiella urinary tract infection

    F.D

    Aged 69 and diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1992, treated with Interferon, I had frequent urinary tract infections sometimes treated blindly. This likely led to the selection of a multidrug-resistant Klebsiella Pneumoniae strain that I had been carrying in my urinary tract since 2014. All conventional antibiotic treatments were attempted as prescribed by infectious disease
    …

    Cystic fibrosis treated with phage therapy

    I am 43 years old and have been suffering from cystic fibrosis, colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa since the age of 9. Not only have I found a treatment far beyond my expectations, but I have also encountered a warm and caring community. In just a few days of phage therapy, my health has improved significantly.
    …

    Lisez tous les témoignages :

    Patient experiences

    Frequently asked questions

    For general information about phage therapy and organising a stay in Georgia, read our answers or contact us.
    Phage therapy uses bacteriophages: naturally occurring viruses that infect bacteria, not human cells. A phage usually targets a specific bacterial species and sometimes only particular strains, so it can leave much of the microbiome unaffected. Described by Félix d’Hérelle in 1917, this approach has been used in Georgia for more than a century. It is not generally authorised as a marketed medicine in the European Union, the United Kingdom or the United States; access is governed by the rules of each country.
    In the European Union and the United Kingdom, access remains exceptional and may be possible only through clinical trials, compassionate or special-access pathways, hospital use, or patient-specific preparations, depending on national rules and a physician’s decision. In Georgia, the Eliava Institute in Tbilisi has worked with bacteriophages since 1923 and maintains a major phage collection. If you are considering travelling, first discuss it with your treating physician or infectious-disease specialist.
    Bacteriophages act on bacterial infections only; they do not treat viral, fungal or non-infectious diseases. Published research and Georgian clinical practice mainly concern recurrent urinary tract infections, bone and joint infections, chronic lung infections, wounds and skin infections. No outcome can be promised: suitability depends on the bacterium involved, its susceptibility to available phages and your overall health. Only a physician can assess whether this approach may be relevant to your case.
    The process usually begins with a phagogram, in which a bacterial isolate from the infection is tested against a phage collection to identify active phages. Depending on the laboratory’s written instructions and applicable transport and import rules, testing may sometimes be arranged before travel. Never send a biological sample without prior authorisation from the laboratory and the carrier. If testing is favourable, a Georgian physician determines the route of administration, dosage and duration for the individual case. Treatment often lasts several weeks, and the required time in Tbilisi depends on the physician’s assessment rather than a fixed package.
    Available clinical data generally describe a favourable tolerability profile. Reported reactions are usually mild and temporary, such as local discomfort at the application site or brief fatigue at the start of treatment. Because bacteriophages target specific bacteria, they may spare much of the surrounding microbiome. Individual risks and any symptoms must be assessed by the physician responsible for your care; ask for medical advice before considering travel.
    Usually not automatically. EU Directive 2011/24/EU concerns healthcare received in another EU Member State, and Georgia is not an EU Member State. Medical and travel costs in Tbilisi therefore generally remain the patient’s responsibility. UK, US and other national or private insurers apply their own rules and may review requests individually. Check with your insurer before travelling and request detailed invoices for all services.

    This website provides general information and does not give medical advice. Phage therapy is not generally authorised as a marketed medicine in the European Union, the United Kingdom or the United States; access is subject to national rules and medical oversight. Our services are exclusively logistical: introductions, appointment and travel organisation, interpreting and practical assistance. We do not provide medical care, prescribe treatment or guarantee outcomes. Any therapeutic decision must be made by your treating physician and the Georgian clinicians you consult.