Therapeutic advances in the fight against microbial resistance: innovative strategies and future challenges

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is characterized by the reduced effectiveness of antibiotics due to the adaptation of microorganisms, which limits therapeutic options and increases the severity of infections. This paper aims to discuss therapeutic advances in combating AMR, highlighting innovative strategies, future challenges, and the importance of raising public awareness about the responsible use of antibiotics. This narrative review is based on studies from databases such as the National Library of Medicine, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Virtual Health Library, using targeted descriptors. The findings emphasize the historical shift from the pre-antibiotic era, marked by high mortality rates, to the antibiotic era, now confronted by the escalating challenge of resistance. Notable innovative strategies include the use of light-based therapies and photosensitizing agents to eradicate bacteria, the application of antimicrobial gases such as nitric oxide and ozone to reduce bacterial loads, and the development of bioactive molecules and cutting-edge technologies aimed at directly targeting resistant pathogens. Advancing these novel therapies, along with raising public awareness about the responsible use of antibiotics, is crucial to curbing the threat of AMR and safeguarding global health.