The Combination of Antibiotic and Non-Antibiotic Compounds Improves Antibiotic Efficacy against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Abstract

Bacterial antibiotic resistance, especially the emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains, urgently requires the development of effective treatment strategies. It is always of interest to delve into the mechanisms of resistance to current antibiotics and target them to promote the efficacy of existing antibiotics. In recent years, non-antibiotic compounds have played an important auxiliary role in improving the efficacy of antibiotics and promoting the treatment of drug-resistant bacteria. The combination of non-antibiotic compounds with antibiotics is considered a promising strategy against MDR bacteria. In this review, we first briefly summarize the main resistance mechanisms of current antibiotics. In addition, we propose several strategies to enhance antibiotic action based on resistance mechanisms. Then, the research progress of non-antibiotic compounds that can promote antibiotic-resistant bacteria through different mechanisms in recent years is also summarized. Finally, the development prospects and challenges of these non-antibiotic compounds in combination with antibiotics are discussed.

Synergistic Activity of Ingulados Bacteria with Antibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

“…The synergy between antibiotics and AMPs could be due to the increase permeability of the antibiotic by the AMP due to a pore formation or cell wall degradation (e.g., in the case of antimicrobials that acts on the transcription and replication). In addition, some antibiotics, such as gentamicin, produce a lipid aggregation that increases the permeabilizing capabilities of the AMP due to a major integration on the lipid bilayer, and by disturbing bacterial metabolism, which leads to a poor efficient production of enzymes synthesis and produces a synergistic activity [ 31 ].…”

A Study of the Synergistic Effects of Essential Oils from Origanum compactum and Origanum elongatum with Commercial Antibiotics against Highly Prioritized Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria for the World Health Organization

“…An essential oil's ability to combat germs is directly related to its chemical makeup, the main compounds' functional groups, and the way these components work together. This synergy can arise from several processes, including the inhibition of metabolic pathways or the agents involved, as well as the disruption of the bacterial cell membrane, which makes it easier for additional antibacterial agents to work against the bacterium [80,81].…”

Potential Role of Bioactive Compounds: In Vitro Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activity of Fermented Milk Thistle

“…The mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds contained in plant extracts on the bacterial cell have been attributed in part to damage to the bacterial membrane, inhibition of virulence factors (such as enzymes and toxins), and inhibition of bacterial biofilm formation [43,44]. Numerous reports in the literature have shown that polyphenolic compounds isolated from plants, in combination with commonly used antibiotics, may represent a new strategy against infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, or Pseudomonas aeruginosa) [44][45][46].…”