Antibiotic Resistance: A Genetic and Physiological Perspective

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, diminishing antibiotic efficacy.
• Bacterial resistance has escalated since 1947, leading to increased mortality, prolonged hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs.
• Mechanisms of resistance include genetic alterations, horizontal gene transfer, enzyme production (e.g., β-lactamase), efflux pumps, biofilm formation, and metabolic changes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of antimicrobial resistance across bacterial taxa.
• To elucidate the physiological and genetic underpinnings of antimicrobial resistance.
• To examine the current therapeutic strategies and emerging technologies for combating AMR.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms.
• Analysis of genetic and physiological processes in resistant bacteria.
• Survey of current and novel therapeutic approaches, including AI-driven methods.

Main Results:

• Bacteria employ diverse strategies to develop resistance, influenced by environmental factors and antibiotic exposure.
• Overuse of antibiotics in human and veterinary medicine, poor infection control, and pollution accelerate resistance.
• Cutting-edge methods like AI offer promising avenues for antibiotic discovery and resistance prediction.

Conclusions:

• Understanding resistance mechanisms is crucial for developing effective treatments.
• Integrated strategies addressing antibiotic use, infection control, and environmental factors are necessary.
• Artificial intelligence presents a transformative approach to combatting the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance.