Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents Against WHO Priority Bacterial Pathogens: A Strategic Review of In Vitro...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health crisis, exacerbated by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) pathogens.
• The development of novel antibiotics has stagnated, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies.
• Plant-derived essential oils (EOs) offer broad-spectrum activity and multi-targeted mechanisms against bacteria.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review advances in the antibacterial activity of plant EOs against clinical isolates over the past decade.
• To focus on the efficacy of EOs against resistant bacterial pathogens and their role in combating AMR.
• To explore the potential of EOs as adjuncts to existing antibiotics.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review of literature published over the last 10 years.
• Analysis of studies investigating the antibacterial effects of EOs on clinical isolates.
• Examination of mechanisms of action, including biofilm disruption, quorum sensing inhibition, and efflux pump modulation.

Main Results:

• EOs demonstrate significant antibacterial activity against MDR and XDR pathogens, including clinical isolates.
• EOs can enhance the efficacy of conventional antibiotics and reverse existing resistance mechanisms.
• Advances in analytical and omics technologies are elucidating EO mechanisms and aiding therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

• Plant essential oils represent a promising avenue for combating AMR, with demonstrated efficacy against challenging resistant strains.
• Further research, including standardized testing and in vivo studies, is needed to overcome challenges and facilitate clinical application.
• EOs hold potential as a complementary strategy to existing antibiotic therapies in the fight against drug-resistant infections.