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Mechanisms of emerging resistance associated with non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents: a state-of-the-art review

The Journal of Antibiotics volume 76, pages 629–641 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Although the development of resistance by microorganisms to antimicrobial drugs has been recognized as a global public health concern, the contribution of various non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents to the development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains largely neglected. The present review discusses various chemical substances and factors other than typical antibiotics, such as preservatives, disinfectants, biocides, heavy metals and improper chemical sterilization that contribute to the development of AMR. Furthermore, it encompasses the mechanisms like co-resistance and co-selection, horizontal gene transfer, changes in the composition and permeability of cell membrane, efflux pumps, transposons, biofilm formation and enzymatic degradation of antimicrobial chemicals which underlie the development of resistance to various non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents. In addition, the review addresses the resistance-associated changes that develops in microorganisms due to these agents, which ultimately contribute to the development of resistance to antibiotics. In order to prevent the indiscriminate use of chemical substances and create novel therapeutic agents to halt resistance development, a more holistic scientific approach might provide diversified views on crucial factors contributing to the persistence and spread of AMR. The review illustrates the common and less explored mechanisms contributing directly or indirectly to the development of AMR by non-antimicrobial agents that are commonly used.

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  1. These authors contributed equally: Mirza Ilyas Rahim Baig, Pramod Kadu, Pradip Bawane

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pharmaceutics, SVKM’s Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400056, India

    Mirza Ilyas Rahim Baig & Pramod Kadu

  2. Department of Pharmacognosy, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, Maharashtra, 424001, India

    Pradip Bawane

  3. Department of Pharmacology, Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal’s Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, Maharashtra, 424001, India

    Kartik T. Nakhate & Sameer N. Goyal

  4. Department of Pharmacognosy, SVKM’s NMIMS, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, Hyderabad, 509301, India

    Santosh Yele

  5. Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15551, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates

    Shreesh Ojha

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Baig, M.I.R., Kadu, P., Bawane, P. et al. Mechanisms of emerging resistance associated with non-antibiotic antimicrobial agents: a state-of-the-art review. J Antibiot 76, 629–641 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41429-023-00649-4

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