An overview of alternative antimicrobial therapies

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most difficult global health problems. Currently, there is an increase in the number of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains on the verge of an economic and social catastrophe, and therefore it is necessary to search for alternative effective approaches to antimicrobial therapy and prevention. The most interesting alternatives to antibacterial drugs are: antibodies, bacteriophages and enzymes derived from phages, antiviral agents, probiotics and microbiome-modulating substances, immunostimulators, antimicrobial peptides that protect the host, nanoparticles and liposomes, etc. An integrated approach to the treatment of infections without exacerbating the problem of antimicrobial resistance involves combining these alternative treatment methods with strategies preserving the effectiveness of existing antimicrobial drugs. The purpose of the article is to summarize information about the causes and mechanisms underlying the development of resistance, the limitations of standard treatments, alternative treatments that can combat the development of resistance, their advantages and disadvantages, as well as future challenges. The review article provides summary data on alternative antimicrobial therapies at various stages of pharmaceutical development.