Antimicrobial Resistance: Global Challenges, Resistance Mechanisms and Mitigation Strategies

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Public Health
• Genetics

Background:

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health and economic challenge.
• Overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human, animal, and agricultural sectors drive resistance.
• Resistance mechanisms include enzymatic degradation, efflux pumps, and horizontal gene transfer, particularly impacting low-resource settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• To summarize molecular mechanisms, global challenges, economic impacts, and mitigation strategies for AMR.
• To provide an integrated overview of AMR challenges and potential solutions.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science.
• Synthesis of recent studies, reviews, and guidelines on AMR.
• Data collection on resistance mechanisms, global trends, clinical implications, and mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

• AMR leads to increased mortality, prolonged illness, and elevated healthcare costs.
• Barriers like limited antibiotic research and diagnostics impede progress in combating AMR.
• Innovative strategies include antimicrobial stewardship, phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and CRISPR-based approaches.

Conclusions:

• Integrated approaches involving stewardship, vaccination, phage therapy, and CRISPR are essential for reducing AMR.
• Global initiatives like surveillance systems and public awareness campaigns are vital for controlling resistant infections.
• Coordinated global efforts are required to reduce antibiotic misuse, delay resistance, and preserve effective treatments.