About this Research Topic
In order to fight the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and contrast its circulation among the population and consequently the propagation of dangerous genetic elements through both vertical or horizontal routes, alternative approaches should be taken into consideration. The focus and the attention of the researchers should be addressed in finding new solutions against this huge problem.
The phagotherapy and the antibiotics combination are two crucial methods for overcoming the microbial multi-drug resistance and consequently decreasing the great menace of this issue for the public heath. The bacteriophages use is expected as potential effective therapeutic agent for difficult-to-treat infections. In this case a specific bacteriophage, against a particular microorganism, could be used in order to lyse and kill the bacterium infected by the phage. Unlike the antibiotics, in this situation no resistance occurs. The limit of phage therapy, inherent in the bacteriophage nature, lies in a narrow spectrum of action.
The combination beta-lactams plus beta-lactamase inhibitors as meropenem-vaborbactam, ceftalozane-tazobactam, ceftazidime-avibactam, cefoperazone-sulbactam, imipenem-relebactam are thought to be a good solution even if sometimes below expectations. Hence it could be important to examine innovative combinations of antibiotics so that suitable treatments might be identified. New antibiotics are needed for the treatment of patients with life-threatening carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections such as cefiderocol, siderophore cephalosporin that exploits iron transporters to enter the bacterial cell and consequently contrast the bacterial resistance mechanism (it enhances the stability to β-lactamases).
New strategies based on non-conventional antibiotic therapy such as biocides, essential oils, N-acetylcysteine and synthetic peptides would also be highly recommended.
We invite contributions that address the following key topic areas:
• New antibiotics addressing the correct treatment of patients with severe carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative infections
• Associations of 2 or 3 antibiotics in order to improve each single activity
• Combination of beta-lactams with beta-lactamase inhibitors
• Use of bacteriophages
• Alternative approach other than conventional antibiotic therapy such as biocides, essential oils, etc.
We welcome original articles, reviews, mini-reviews.
Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance, Gram-negative bacteria, Bacteriophage
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