Breakthroughs in bacterial resistance mechanisms and the potential ways to combat them

Abstract

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have increased at an alarming rate over recent decades and cause serious problems. The emergence of resistant infections caused by these bacteria has led to mortality and morbidity; consequently there is an urgent need to find solution for combating bacterial resistance. In the present paper, first, some mechanisms of antibiotic resistance such as changing the antibacterial agent's uptake and biofilm formation are discussed. Following, for removing the antibacterial resistance, a wide range of approaches like developing new generations of antibiotics, combination therapy, natural antibacterial substances and applying nanoparticulate systems have been explained. Among them, antibiotic delivery via nanoparticles, has been attracted more attention recently, so discussed in present review, separately.

Keywords: Antibacterial agents; Antibiotic-resistance mechanisms; Biofilm; Combination therapy; Efflux pump; Nanoparticles; Natural substances.