Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) embodies a significant challenge in controlling of infectious diseases and constitutes a substantial worldwide economic burden. In recent decades, several factors have contributed to the escalation of AMR among pathogenic bacteria, thus becoming a growing problem for the public health. Among them is the inappropriate use or overuse of antimicrobials that may significantly contribute to the emergence and dissemination of AMR among pathogenic microbiota. Defence of microorganisms against antimicrobials include several mechanisms. They can be naturally resistant, with the genetic mechanisms already in place to combat previously encountered antimicrobials. Second, the resistance mechanisms include target modification thus making microorganisms unsusceptible to antimicrobials. And finally, it could be horizontal acquisition of AMR genes from other microorganisms. Horizontal gene exchange in the microbial world is very extensive and it may involve many genes that could confer AMR and provide survival opportunity under selective pressure of antimicrobials. In this context, the exploration of opportunities other than classical antimicrobials in order to combat pathogenic microbiota is indispensable. In particular, these could be bioactive compounds that target the mechanism of pathogenicity in infectious agents.
Plant-based biologically active compounds with pharmaceutical potentials may provide the alternative to antimicrobials. Potentially, these phytochemicals may serve as synergetic adjuvant therapies in combination with antimicrobials and thus contribute to the decrease of AMR burden. Phytochemical compounds may have substantial anti-biofilm and anti-virulence activities and may also interfere with quorum sensing mechanisms of pathogenic microbiota. More importantly, the use of these phytochemical compounds would not result in the development of specific resistance mechanisms. In this regard, phytochemicals may represent a valuable addition to the current arsenal of antimicrobials and could play a significant role in the control and management of infectious diseases, especially that caused by AMR pathogens.
This Research Topic aims to assemble the most recent research advances on the phytochemical compounds that may serve as substitutes or additives to the current antimicrobials. We welcome submissions of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and other acceptable formats on this theme.
We welcome contributions that are focused on but not limited to several areas:
-Extraction, purification and structural identification of novel bioactive derivatives from various plant sources.
-Genetic regulation and molecular design of phytochemicals.
-Mechanisms of action of novel phytochemicals against pathogenic microbiota, including antimicrobial, anti-virulence, antibiofilm, anti-quorum sensing and other activities.
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) embodies a significant challenge in controlling of infectious diseases and constitutes a substantial worldwide economic burden. In recent decades, several factors have contributed to the escalation of AMR among pathogenic bacteria, thus becoming a growing problem for the public health. Among them is the inappropriate use or overuse of antimicrobials that may significantly contribute to the emergence and dissemination of AMR among pathogenic microbiota. Defence of microorganisms against antimicrobials include several mechanisms. They can be naturally resistant, with the genetic mechanisms already in place to combat previously encountered antimicrobials. Second, the resistance mechanisms include target modification thus making microorganisms unsusceptible to antimicrobials. And finally, it could be horizontal acquisition of AMR genes from other microorganisms. Horizontal gene exchange in the microbial world is very extensive and it may involve many genes that could confer AMR and provide survival opportunity under selective pressure of antimicrobials. In this context, the exploration of opportunities other than classical antimicrobials in order to combat pathogenic microbiota is indispensable. In particular, these could be bioactive compounds that target the mechanism of pathogenicity in infectious agents.
Plant-based biologically active compounds with pharmaceutical potentials may provide the alternative to antimicrobials. Potentially, these phytochemicals may serve as synergetic adjuvant therapies in combination with antimicrobials and thus contribute to the decrease of AMR burden. Phytochemical compounds may have substantial anti-biofilm and anti-virulence activities and may also interfere with quorum sensing mechanisms of pathogenic microbiota. More importantly, the use of these phytochemical compounds would not result in the development of specific resistance mechanisms. In this regard, phytochemicals may represent a valuable addition to the current arsenal of antimicrobials and could play a significant role in the control and management of infectious diseases, especially that caused by AMR pathogens.
This Research Topic aims to assemble the most recent research advances on the phytochemical compounds that may serve as substitutes or additives to the current antimicrobials. We welcome submissions of original research articles, reviews, mini-reviews, and other acceptable formats on this theme.
We welcome contributions that are focused on but not limited to several areas:
-Extraction, purification and structural identification of novel bioactive derivatives from various plant sources.
-Genetic regulation and molecular design of phytochemicals.
-Mechanisms of action of novel phytochemicals against pathogenic microbiota, including antimicrobial, anti-virulence, antibiofilm, anti-quorum sensing and other activities.
All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.