Alternative approaches in combating antimicrobial resistance in animals

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, diminishing the efficacy of conventional antibiotics.
• The One Health framework highlights the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR.
• Current strategies have failed to curb the spread of resistant pathogens, necessitating the development of alternative therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate three promising alternative therapeutic strategies for combating bacterial antimicrobial resistance.
• To examine phytotherapy, phage therapy, and antimicrobial peptides as potential alternatives or adjuncts to traditional antibiotics.
• To assess the mechanisms of action, efficacy, recent advancements, and research challenges associated with these novel approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of scientific publications on phytotherapy, phage therapy, and antimicrobial peptides.
• Analysis of research on the mechanisms of action and therapeutic potential of each strategy.
• Evaluation of recent advances and identified challenges in the development and application of these alternative therapeutics.

Main Results:

• Phytotherapy utilizes plant-derived compounds with antimicrobial properties.
• Phage therapy employs bacteriophages to specifically target and eliminate bacterial pathogens.
• Antimicrobial peptides are bioactive molecules that disrupt bacterial membranes.
• All three strategies show promise as alternatives or adjuncts to conventional antibiotics, particularly within One Health initiatives.

Conclusions:

• Phytotherapy, phage therapy, and antimicrobial peptides represent innovative avenues for addressing the challenge of antimicrobial resistance.
• These approaches offer potential solutions for both human and animal health, aligning with One Health principles.
• Further research is crucial to overcome existing challenges and fully realize the therapeutic potential of these novel antimicrobial strategies.