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Published on: April 18, 2019
Potential strategies for the eradication of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections
Rawan Huwaitat1, Alice P McCloskey1, Brendan F Gilmore1
1Biofunctional Nanomaterials Group, School of Pharmacy, Queens University of Belfast, Medical Biology Centre, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance is one of the leading threats to society. The increasing burden of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infection is particularly concerning as such bacteria are demonstrating resistance to nearly all currently licensed therapies. Various strategies have been hypothesized to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections including: targeting the Gram-negative outer membrane; neutralization of lipopolysaccharide; inhibition of bacterial efflux pumps and prevention of protein folding. Silver and silver nanoparticles, fusogenic liposomes and nanotubes are potential strategies for extending the activity of licensed, Gram-positive selective, antibiotics to Gram-negatives. This may serve as a strategy to fill the current void in pharmaceutical development in the short term. This review outlines the most promising strategies that could be implemented to solve the threat of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections pose a major threat. This review explores novel strategies, including nanotechnology and outer membrane targeting, to combat these resistant bacteria when current therapies fail.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant global health threat.
- Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are increasingly prevalent, exhibiting resistance to most available antibiotics.
- Existing treatments are becoming ineffective against these challenging infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review promising strategies for combating multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections.
- To identify potential therapeutic approaches to overcome antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative pathogens.
- To highlight novel methods for extending antibiotic efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current research on antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria.
- Analysis of emerging therapeutic strategies targeting bacterial mechanisms.
- Evaluation of nanotechnology-based approaches for antimicrobial applications.
Main Results:
- Several strategies show promise, including targeting the Gram-negative outer membrane.
- Neutralization of lipopolysaccharide and inhibition of bacterial efflux pumps are key targets.
- Silver nanoparticles, liposomes, and nanotubes offer potential for enhancing antibiotic activity.
Conclusions:
- Novel strategies are crucial to address the threat of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative infections.
- Repurposing existing antibiotics with new delivery systems or targets is a viable short-term solution.
- Continued research into innovative treatments is essential to combat the growing AMR crisis.
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