-
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Oct 2023Antimicrobials are commonly prescribed and often misunderstood. With more than 50% of hospitalized patients receiving an antimicrobial agent at any point in time,...
Antimicrobials are commonly prescribed and often misunderstood. With more than 50% of hospitalized patients receiving an antimicrobial agent at any point in time, judicious and optimal use of these drugs is paramount to advancing patient care. This narrative will focus on myths relevant to nuanced consultation from infectious diseases specialists, particularly surrounding specific considerations for a variety of antibiotics.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Clindamycin; Anti-Infective Agents; Communicable Diseases
PubMed: 37310038
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad357 -
Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of... Jul 2023Morus alba is a fast-growing shrub or medium-sized tree with a straight, cylindrical trunk. Medicinally, whole plants, leaves, fruits, branches, and roots have been... (Review)
Review
Morus alba is a fast-growing shrub or medium-sized tree with a straight, cylindrical trunk. Medicinally, whole plants, leaves, fruits, branches, and roots have been employed. Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were used to search for relevant material on the phytochemical components and pharmacologic and mechanism of action of the Morus alba. This was reviewed to assess important updates about Morus alba. The fruits of Morus alba have traditionally been used as an analgesic, anthelmintic, antibacterial, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, hypotensive, hypoglycemia, purgative, restorative, sedative tonic, and blood stimulant. Various plant parts were used as a cooling, sedating, diuretic, tonic, and astringent agent to treat nerve disorders. The plant contained tannins, steroids, phytosterols, sitosterol, glycosides, alkaloids, carbohydrates, proteins, and amino acids, as well as saponins, triterpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, benzofuran derivatives, anthocyanins, anthraquinones, glycosides, vitamins, and minerals. Previous pharmacological research identified antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunological, analgesic, antipyretic, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, hypolipidemic, anti-obesity, dermatological, neurological, muscular, and protecting effects. This study looked at Morus alba's traditional uses, chemical components, and pharmacological effects.
Topics: Anthocyanins; Plant Extracts; Alkaloids; Phytochemicals; Anti-Infective Agents; Caffeine
PubMed: 36877269
DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02434-4 -
Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy May 2024The prevalence of obesity has increased considerably in the last few decades. Pathophysiological changes in obese patients lead to pharmacokinetic (PK) and...
The prevalence of obesity has increased considerably in the last few decades. Pathophysiological changes in obese patients lead to pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) alterations that can condition the correct exposure to antimicrobials if standard dosages are used. Inadequate dosing in obese patients can lead to toxicity or therapeutic failure. In recent years, additional antimicrobial PK/PD data, extended infusion strategies, and studies in critically ill patients have made it possible to obtain data to provide a better dosage in obese patients. Despite this, it is usually difficult to find information on drug dosing in this population, which is sometimes contradictory. This is a comprehensive review of the dosing of different types of antimicrobials (antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and antituberculosis drugs) in obese patients, where the literature on PK and possible dosing strategies in obese adults was critically assessed.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-Infective Agents; Antifungal Agents; Antitubercular Agents; Antiviral Agents; Critical Illness; Obesity
PubMed: 38526051
DOI: 10.1128/aac.01719-23 -
Nature Reviews. Microbiology Jan 2024Chemical biocides are used for the prevention and control of infection in health care, targeted home hygiene or controlling microbial contamination for various... (Review)
Review
Chemical biocides are used for the prevention and control of infection in health care, targeted home hygiene or controlling microbial contamination for various industrial processes including but not limited to food, water and petroleum. However, their use has substantially increased since the implementation of programmes to control outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridioides difficile and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Biocides interact with multiple targets on the bacterial cells. The number of targets affected and the severity of damage will result in an irreversible bactericidal effect or a reversible bacteriostatic one. Most biocides primarily target the cytoplasmic membrane and enzymes, although the specific bactericidal mechanisms vary among different biocide chemistries. Inappropriate usage or low concentrations of a biocide may act as a stressor while not killing bacterial pathogens, potentially leading to antimicrobial resistance. Biocides can also promote the transfer of antimicrobial resistance genes. In this Review, we explore our current understanding of the mechanisms of action of biocides, the bacterial resistance mechanisms encompassing both intrinsic and acquired resistance and the influence of bacterial biofilms on resistance. We also consider the impact of bacteria that survive biocide exposure in environmental and clinical contexts.
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents, Local; Disinfectants; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 37648789
DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00958-3 -
Nature Biotechnology Oct 2023
Topics: Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents
PubMed: 37828280
DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01970-x -
Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy =... Aug 2023Although a growing body of research has recently shown how crucial inflammation and infection are to all major diseases, several of the medications currently available... (Review)
Review
Although a growing body of research has recently shown how crucial inflammation and infection are to all major diseases, several of the medications currently available on the market have various unfavourable side effects, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic choices. Researchers are increasingly interested in alternative medications or active components derived from natural sources. Naringenin is a commonly consumed flavonoid found in many plants, and since it was discovered to have nutritional benefits, it has been utilized to treat inflammation and infections caused by particular bacteria or viruses. However, the absence of adequate clinical data and naringenin's poor solubility and stability severely restrict its usage as a medicinal agent. In this article, we discuss naringenin's effects and mechanisms of action on autoimmune-induced inflammation, bacterial infections, and viral infections based on recent research. We also present a few suggestions for enhancing naringenin's solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This paper emphasizes the potential use of naringenin as an anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agent and the next prophylactic substance for the treatment of various inflammatory and infectious diseases, even though some mechanisms of action are still unclear, and offers some theoretical support for its clinical application.
Topics: Humans; Flavanones; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Inflammation; Anti-Infective Agents
PubMed: 37315435
DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114990 -
Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and... Dec 2023Natural products and analogues are a source of antibacterial drug discovery. Considering drug resistance levels emerging for antibiotics, identification of bacterial... (Review)
Review
Natural products and analogues are a source of antibacterial drug discovery. Considering drug resistance levels emerging for antibiotics, identification of bacterial metalloenzymes and the synthesis of selective inhibitors are interesting for antibacterial agent development. Peptide nucleic acids are attractive antisense and antigene agents representing a novel strategy to target pathogens due to their unique mechanism of action. Antisense inhibition and development of antisense peptide nucleic acids is a new approach to antibacterial agents. Due to the increased resistance of biofilms to antibiotics, alternative therapeutic options are necessary. To develop antimicrobial strategies, optimised and models are needed. In vivo models to study biofilm-related respiratory infections, device-related infections: ventilator-associated pneumonia, tissue-related infections: chronic infection models based on alginate or agar beads, methods to battle biofilm-related infections are discussed. Drug delivery in case of antibacterials often is a serious issue therefore this review includes overview of drug delivery nanosystems.
Topics: Peptide Nucleic Acids; Bacteria; Anti-Infective Agents; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biofilms
PubMed: 36629427
DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2022.2155816 -
Cells Nov 2023Phototherapy, encompassing the utilization of both natural and artificial light, has emerged as a dependable and non-invasive strategy for addressing a diverse range of... (Review)
Review
Phototherapy, encompassing the utilization of both natural and artificial light, has emerged as a dependable and non-invasive strategy for addressing a diverse range of illnesses, diseases, and infections. This therapeutic approach, primarily known for its efficacy in treating skin infections, such as herpes and acne lesions, involves the synergistic use of specific light wavelengths and photosensitizers, like methylene blue. Photodynamic therapy, as it is termed, relies on the generation of antimicrobial reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the interaction between light and externally applied photosensitizers. Recent research, however, has highlighted the intrinsic antimicrobial properties of light itself, marking a paradigm shift in focus from exogenous agents to the inherent photosensitivity of molecules found naturally within pathogens. Chemical analyses have identified specific organic molecular structures and systems, including protoporphyrins and conjugated C=C bonds, as pivotal components in molecular photosensitivity. Given the prevalence of these systems in organic life forms, there is an urgent need to investigate the potential impact of phototherapy on individual molecules expressed within pathogens and discern their contributions to the antimicrobial effects of light. This review delves into the recently unveiled key molecular targets of phototherapy, offering insights into their potential downstream implications and therapeutic applications. By shedding light on these fundamental molecular mechanisms, we aim to advance our understanding of phototherapy's broader therapeutic potential and contribute to the development of innovative treatments for a wide array of microbial infections and diseases.
Topics: Humans; Photosensitizing Agents; Phototherapy; Photochemotherapy; Anti-Infective Agents; Acne Vulgaris
PubMed: 37998399
DOI: 10.3390/cells12222664 -
Probiotics and Antimicrobial Proteins Dec 2023Allium sativum agglutinin (ASA) is an important lectin isolated from garlic bulbs and has shown promising therapeutic potential in earlier reports. It has a bulb-type...
Allium sativum agglutinin (ASA) is an important lectin isolated from garlic bulbs and has shown promising therapeutic potential in earlier reports. It has a bulb-type lectin domain, and members of this protein family have been investigated for anti-cancer, antimicrobial and other effects. In our earlier study, we have reported ASA as an anti-cancer agent, and in the present study, we have evaluated it for its antifungal and antimicrobial effects. The effects of ASA on the opportunistic pathogens in humans Candida auris and Candida glabrata fungal strains have been evaluated, and efforts are made to evaluate the mechanistic basis of these antifungal effects. The antifungal activity of ASA on different strains of C. glabrata and C. auris was found with MIC concentration range of 30-70 µg/ml. Fungal growth was significantly suppressed upon treatment with ASA at MIC and 2MIC. Hydrogen peroxide production was detected after ASA treatment in fungal cells and cell morphology, and integrity was affected when analysed through FE-SEM. Further, the anti-biofilm effect of ASA was investigated against Candida and three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae), and promising results were obtained with maximal effect in case of K. pneumoniae among the bacterial strains. These results can form the basis for the development of ASA as antimicrobial agent.
Topics: Humans; Antifungal Agents; Garlic; Lectins; Anti-Infective Agents; Candida; Antioxidants; Microbial Sensitivity Tests
PubMed: 36316578
DOI: 10.1007/s12602-022-10001-1 -
Advanced Science (Weinheim,... Sep 2023Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential elements of thehost defense system. Characterized by heterogenous structures and broad-spectrumaction, they are promising... (Review)
Review
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are essential elements of thehost defense system. Characterized by heterogenous structures and broad-spectrumaction, they are promising candidates for combating multidrug resistance. Thecombined use of AMPs with other antimicrobial agents provides a new arsenal ofdrugs with synergistic action, thereby overcoming the drawback of monotherapiesduring infections. AMPs kill microbes via pore formation, thus inhibitingintracellular functions. This mechanism of action by AMPs is an advantage overantibiotics as it hinders the development of drug resistance. The synergisticeffect of AMPs will allow the repurposing of conventional antimicrobials andenhance their clinical outcomes, reduce toxicity, and, most significantly,prevent the development of resistance. In this review, various synergies ofAMPs with antimicrobials and miscellaneous agents are discussed. The effect ofstructural diversity and chemical modification on AMP properties is firstaddressed and then different combinations that can lead to synergistic action,whether this combination is between AMPs and antimicrobials, or AMPs andmiscellaneous compounds, are attended. This review can serve as guidance whenredesigning and repurposing the use of AMPs in combination with other antimicrobialagents for enhanced clinical outcomes.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antimicrobial Peptides; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Anti-Infective Agents; Communicable Diseases
PubMed: 37407512
DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300472