The word "virus" carries a negative connotation because its associated the cold and flu-like symptoms that afflict us throughout our lives.

But what if you were told that consuming a combination of viruses could potentially save your life?

In a landmark decision in August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of a spray that combines six bacteria-killing viruses called bacteriophages (meaning "bacteria-eating" in Greek) or phages to eliminate listeria monocytogenes bacterium on ready-to-eat meat and poultry products.

If the bacterium are consumed, they can cause listeriosis, the deadliest form of food poisoning. It most commonly afflicts pregnant women, infants and those with compromised immune systems.

More after the jump.