What do we call a virus that attacks a bacterium?

1 Answer
Dec 9, 2016

A bacteriophage.

Explanation:

A virus that infects and replicates within a bacterium, destroying it in the process, is called a bacteriophage (from bacteria + phagein [Greek for devour]).

They are seen as potential alternatives to antibiotic therapy because of their particular effect on the host bacterium and the absence of side effects.