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Establishing Fungal Entomopathogens as Endophytes: Towards Endophytic Biological Control
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Establishing Fungal Entomopathogens as Endophytes: Towards Endophytic Biological Control

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Endophytic fungi: a reservoir of antibacterials

Sunil K Deshmukh1, Shilpa A Verekar1, Sarita V Bhave1

  • 1Department of Natural Products, Piramal Enterprises Limited Mumbai, India.

Frontiers in Microbiology
|January 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a growing global threat, especially in developing nations. Exploring natural sources like endophytic fungi and traditional medicines may yield novel, affordable antibiotic scaffolds.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pharmacology
  • Natural Product Chemistry

Background:

  • Rising prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria globally.
  • Specific MDR pathogens include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VRE), Penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae, and MDR Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
  • Urgent need for novel antimicrobial agents to combat resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the potential of natural products, particularly endophytic fungi, as sources for new antibiotic scaffolds.
  • To highlight the challenge of developing effective and affordable antimicrobial drugs.
  • To explore the relevance of traditional indigenous therapeutics, such as Ayurveda, in the Asian subcontinent.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on MDR bacteria.
  • Review of research on endophytic fungi as a source of bioactive compounds.
  • Examination of traditional medicine systems for antimicrobial leads.

Main Results:

  • Endophytic fungi represent a promising reservoir for novel therapeutic compounds.
  • Development of new, specific, and affordable antibiotics is a significant global challenge.
  • Indigenous therapeutics may offer valuable leads requiring further scientific investigation.

Conclusions:

  • Natural product discovery, especially from endophytic fungi, is crucial for addressing antibiotic resistance.
  • Further in-depth research into traditional medicine systems could uncover effective antimicrobial strategies.
  • A multidisciplinary approach is needed to develop affordable and effective solutions for MDR infections.
Keywords:
antibacterial compoundsdrug resistanceendophytic fungimedicinal plantsnatural products

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