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Updated: Oct 18, 2025
Nanomechanics of Drug-target Interactions and Antibacterial Resistance Detection
Published on: October 25, 2013
Alternatives to Fight Vancomycin-Resistant Staphylococci and Enterococci
Benjamin Baëtz1, Abdelhakim Boudrioua1, Axel Hartke1
1Normandie Univ., UNICAEN U2RM-Stress and Virulence, Esplanade de la paix, 14000 Caen, France.
Abstract:
Gram positive pathogens are a significant cause of healthcare-associated infections, with Staphylococci and Enterococci being the most prevalent ones. Vancomycin, a last resort glycopeptide, is used to fight these bacteria but the emergence of resistance against this drug leaves some patients with few therapeutic options. To counter this issue, new generations of antibiotics have been developed but resistance has already been reported. In this article, we review the strategies in place or in development to counter vancomycin-resistant pathogens. First, an overview of traditional antimicrobials already on the market or in the preclinical or clinical pipeline used individually or in combination is summarized. The second part focuses on the non-traditional antimicrobials, such as antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages and nanoparticles. The conclusion is that there is hitherto no substitute equivalent to vancomycin. However, promising strategies based on drugs with multiple mechanisms of action and treatments based on bacteriophages possibly combined with conventional antibiotics are hoped to provide treatment options for vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive pathogens.
Insights
Vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive pathogens are a growing threat. New strategies, including novel antimicrobials and bacteriophage therapy, show promise for treating these difficult infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gram-positive pathogens like Staphylococci and Enterococci are major causes of healthcare-associated infections.
- Vancomycin resistance is emerging, limiting treatment options for serious infections.
- Existing and novel antibiotics face challenges with resistance development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current and emerging strategies to combat vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive pathogens.
- To summarize traditional and non-traditional antimicrobial approaches.
- To highlight potential future therapeutic avenues.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of traditional antimicrobials in clinical and preclinical pipelines.
- Exploration of non-traditional antimicrobials including antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, and nanoparticles.
- Analysis of therapeutic strategies for vancomycin-resistant infections.
Main Results:
- No single direct substitute for vancomycin has been identified.
- Several traditional and non-traditional antimicrobial agents are under investigation.
- Combination therapies and phage-based treatments show potential.
Conclusions:
- Vancomycin-resistant Gram-positive pathogens pose a significant clinical challenge.
- Promising strategies include multi-mechanism drugs and bacteriophage therapy.
- Future treatments may involve combinations of conventional antibiotics and novel agents.
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