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Potential Treatment Options in a Post-antibiotic Era
R R Bragg1, C M Meyburgh2, J-Y Lee2
1Department of Microbial, Biochemical and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, 9300, Republic of South Africa. braggrr@ufs.ac.za.
Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|May 23, 2018
Summary
The rise in antimicrobial resistance threatens a post-antibiotic era due to decreased antibiotic discovery and overuse. Alternative strategies like vaccines and bacteriophages are crucial for combating this global health crisis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Public Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Antibiotic discovery has declined significantly over the past 50 years.
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global public health threat, leading to multidrug resistance.
- The irresponsible use of antibiotics in healthcare and animal agriculture exacerbates the AMR crisis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the escalating global crisis of antimicrobial resistance.
- To discuss the factors contributing to this crisis, including antibiotic overuse.
- To explore alternative prevention and treatment strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on antibiotic discovery and antimicrobial resistance.
- Analysis of the impact of antibiotic usage in healthcare and animal production.
- Discussion of alternative therapeutic and preventive approaches.
Main Results:
- A critical decline in new antibiotic discoveries.
- Increasing incidence of multidrug-resistant pathogens.
- Identification of key drivers of AMR, such as antibiotic misuse.
Conclusions:
- Urgent action is needed to avert a post-antibiotic era.
- Alternative strategies including vaccines, herbal products, bacteriophages, and biosecurity are essential.
- Responsible antibiotic stewardship is paramount in healthcare and agriculture.
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