An Alternative to Antibiotics: Selected Methods to Combat Zoonotic Foodborne Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Pathogenic bacteria contaminating food or animal feed cause serious economic losses in the health sector as well as is in the agriculture and food industry. The development of bacterial resistance due to the misuse of antibiotics and chemicals, especially in the farm industry, can bring dangerous effects for the global population therefore new safe biological antimicrobial solutions are urgently needed. In this paper, we investigate biological alternatives to antibiotics against foodborne pathogens. The most promising alternatives include antimicrobial proteins, bacteriophages, probiotics, and plant-based substances. Each described group of substances is efficient against specific foodborne bacteria and has a preferred use in an explicit application. The advantages and drawbacks of each method are outlined in the final section. Biological antibacterial solutions are usually easily degradable. In contrast to antibiotics or chemical/physical methods, they are also far more specific. When introducing new antibacterial methods it is crucial to check their safety and ability to induce resistance mechanisms. Moreover, it is important to assess its activity to inhibit or kill in viable but nonculturable cells (VBNC) state and biofilm forms. VBNC bacteria are considered a threat to public health and food safety due to their possibility of remaining viable and virulent. Biological alternatives to antibiotics complete the majority of the advantages needed for a safe and efficient antimicrobial product. However, further research is necessary to fully implement those solutions to the market.

Inhibition of Biofilm and Virulence Properties of Pathogenic Bacteria by Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized from Lactiplantibacillus sp. Strain C1

“…With the rising AMR traits in microbial pathogens, the search for potential antimicrobial drugs is always in high demand. The approaches to control bacteria pathogens include physical, chemical, and biological methods. , The formation of biofilm by bacteria has become one of the most challenging issues in infection treatment because EPS restricts drug entry . Nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent field for the production of nanomaterials for use in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, biomedical, and clinical sectors lately. , Employing green synthesis of nanoparticles has been one of the more promising ways, with various benefits over chemical and physical methods .…”

“…The approaches to control bacteria pathogens include physical, chemical, and biological methods. 32 , 33 The formation of biofilm by bacteria has become one of the most challenging issues in infection treatment because EPS restricts drug entry. 34 Nanotechnology has emerged as a prominent field for the production of nanomaterials for use in the pharmaceutical, agricultural, food, biomedical, and clinical sectors lately.…”

RB49-like Bacteriophages Recognize O Antigens as One of the Alternative Primary Receptors

“…Bacteriophages are once again considered as perspective biocontrol agents for many applications, [ 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 ] including phage therapy (PT) that may provide at least an interim solution for the alleviation of the global crisis caused by the spread of multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens [ 39 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. Broad host range bacteriophages are highly demanded for PT.…”

Preparation of Hydrogel Composites Using a Sustainable Approach for In Situ Silver Nanoparticles Formation

“…Currently, one of the most interesting objectives from a scientific and biomedical point of view is the search for novel tools to fight bacterial infections that do not involve the use of antibiotics [ 1 , 2 ]. In fact, more and more often, clinicians face pathogenic microorganisms that have developed resistance against currently available antibiotics for treating bacterial infections.…”