Recent advances on topical antimicrobials for skin and soft tissue infections and their safety concerns
P L Lam1, K K H Lee2, R S M Wong2
1a Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, State Key Laboratory of Chirosciences , The Hong Kong Polytechnic University , Hong Kong , P.R. China.
Abstract:
Antimicrobial resistance of disease-related microorganisms is considered a worldwide prevalent and serious issue which increases the failure of treatment outcomes and leads to high mortality. Considering that the increased resistance to systemic antimicrobial therapy often needs of the use of more toxic agents, topical antimicrobial therapy emerges as an attractive route for the treatment of infectious diseases. The topical antimicrobial therapy is based on the absorption of high drug doses in a readily accessible skin surface, resulting in a reduction of microbial proliferation at infected skin sites. Topical antimicrobials retain the following features: (a) they are able to escape the enzymatic degradation and rapid clearance in the gastrointestinal tract or the first-pass metabolism during oral administration; (b) alleviate the physical discomfort related to intravenous injection; (c) reduce possible adverse effects and drug interactions of systemic administrations; (d) increase patient compliance and convenience; and (e) reduce the treatment costs. Novel antimicrobials for topical application have been widely exploited to control the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms. This review provides a description of antimicrobial resistance, common microorganisms causing skin and soft tissue infections, topical delivery route of antimicrobials, safety concerns of topical antimicrobials, recent advances, challenges and future prospective in topical antimicrobial development.
Insights
Topical antimicrobial therapy offers an effective strategy against drug-resistant infections, minimizing systemic side effects and improving patient outcomes for skin and soft tissue infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, leading to treatment failures and increased mortality.
- Systemic antimicrobial therapy for resistant infections often requires more toxic agents.
- Topical antimicrobial therapy presents an attractive alternative for treating infectious diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of topical antimicrobial therapy.
- To discuss common microorganisms involved in skin and soft tissue infections.
- To explore recent advancements, challenges, and future directions in topical antimicrobial development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on antimicrobial resistance.
- Analysis of topical antimicrobial delivery systems and their advantages.
- Examination of safety profiles and emerging novel agents.
Main Results:
- Topical antimicrobials achieve high local drug concentrations, reducing microbial proliferation.
- Advantages include bypassing gastrointestinal degradation, reduced systemic toxicity, and improved patient compliance.
- Novel topical antimicrobials are crucial for combating drug-resistant pathogens.
Conclusions:
- Topical antimicrobial therapy is a valuable approach to manage infectious diseases, especially in the context of rising antimicrobial resistance.
- Further research and development are needed to address challenges and optimize future topical antimicrobial strategies.
- This review highlights the potential of topical antimicrobials to improve treatment outcomes and patient convenience.
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