Marine algal sources for treating bacterial diseases

Abstract

Microorganisms are the causative agents for various types of diseases in humans, animals, and plants. The invention of antibiotics against the bacterial diseases in the early twentieth century improved the heath conditions of the humans, but it resulted in the development of variable drug/multidrug-resistant strains which are now posing great challenge to cure the diseases. The need for searching novel bioactive compounds having potential therapeutic value resulted in exploration of oceans. Screening diverse fauna and flora in oceans opened new avenues for the development of novel therapeutic agents such as sesquiterpenes, phlorotannins, bromoditerpenes, halogenated furanones, and algal lectin which show effect on a wide range of Gram-negative and positive bacteria. Hence these bioactive compounds can be used as broad spectrum antibiotics, antibacterial, and antifouling agents.