The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences
Abstract
As time progresses, more bacterial strains are becoming resistant to the antibiotics developed to treat them. Impeding such intractable infections should be a major clinical priority, as previously treatable diseases have begun to incur a fatality rate that will escalate catastrophically unless it is halted. This research paper explores relevant information regarding the advances in developing alternative strategies to antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, within the context of clinical application. Recognizing the profound impact antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will have on patient health enables the implementation of proactive measures to curb the expanding prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. This would primarily include the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship to oversee that antibiotics are appropriately prescribed. Bacteria’s intertwined relationship with body processes and the immune system is not yet fully understood, but its role in upkeeping homeostatic function is crucial. The overconsumption of antibiotics can selectively promote AMR bacterial strains and can disturb the gut microbiome. Numerous studies have demonstrated how the current burden of AMR-associated infections and fatalities will continue to exponentiate, highlighting the need for novel therapies. Investigating the mechanisms through which bacteria can become resistant to antibiotics allows researchers to extrapolate and develop new treatments to address these developments. AMR in bacteria often emerges as the result of genetic factors, whether through inherent physiological structures, by genetic mutation, or by the acquisition of foreign genetic material. Biofilms, an aggregation of bacteria with conferred survival mechanisms, pose a significant challenge as they are particularly adept at resisting antibiotic threats. Strategies like quorum sensing inhibitors attempt to disrupt biofilm formation, while efflux pump inhibitors focus on preventing the bacteria’s expulsion of the antibiotic. Additionally, phage therapy, which utilizes viruses that target specific bacterial strains, has demonstrated promising results in eradicating MDR pathogens during clinical trials. Another avenue under exploration is the development of synthetic antimicrobial peptides as a novel anti-inflammatory adjuvant. The studies in this paper serve to provide a contextualized picture of the current fight against antibiotic resistance and identify alternative treatments to traditional antibiotics.
Recommended Citation
Rina Balter. (2025). Strategies to Address the Growing Impact of the Antibiotic Resistance Crisis. The Science Journal of the Lander College of Arts and Sciences, 18(2), 66-81. Retrieved from https://touroscholar.touro.edu/sjlcas/vol18/iss2/9
