Modern Approaches to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance: A Review

Abstract

The world has taken cognizance of the emergence of the threat of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria in a big way and has recognised the limited antimicrobial options before mankind. The ubiquity of bacteria and their role in our lives makes it urgent for us to solve this problem in a multifaceted manner. As the development of novel antimicrobials is few and difficult to come by, we need to manage our present antimicrobial arsenal prudently and also manage antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections by applying various alternatives available in the scientific field to treat the diseases. An excellent option is to use new and old clinical therapeutic techniques and molecules to control AMR. Different strategies such as the application of bacteriophages alone and in combination with nano-based and liposomal delivery systems, and the usage of molecular adjuvants and probiotics can fight directly and indirectly against AMR bacteria. In addition, biological molecules such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, stem cells, and antimicrobials in conjunction with bacteriophages can be game changers in mitigating the emerging antimicrobial resistance pandemic.