Collateral Sensitivity in Bacteria: Phenomenon, Mechanisms, Modulators and Therapeutic Prospects

The rapid proliferation and infection of multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a significant threat to global public health. The gradual increase in drug resistance, primarily driven by the inappropriate use of antibiotics, underscores the urgent need for developing novel therapeutic approaches for drug-resistant bacterial infections. Collateral sensitivity (CS) describes the phenomenon whereby bacteria resistance to a specific antibiotic increases susceptibility to other antibiotics. In some cases of antibiotic resistance, CS can provide rapid and effective guidance for clinical drug use by detecting the lowest drug sensitivity concentration of resistant bacteria. In order to prevent or mitigate the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria, it is crucial to thoroughly investigate the underlying mechanisms of CS. This article discusses recent research progress on the CS phenomenon, its mechanisms, influencing factors, and the therapeutic potential of CS in bacteria.