The Role of Antimicrobial Peptides as Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Agents in Tackling the Silent Pandemic of Antimicrobial Resistance

Abstract

Just over a million people died globally in 2019 due to antibiotic resistance caused by ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species). The World Health Organization (WHO) also lists antibiotic-resistant Campylobacter and Helicobacter as bacteria that pose the greatest threat to human health. As it is becoming increasingly difficult to discover new antibiotics, new alternatives are needed to solve the crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Bacteria commonly found in complex communities enclosed within self-produced matrices called biofilms are difficult to eradicate and develop increased stress and antimicrobial tolerance. This review summarises the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) in combating the silent pandemic of AMR and their application in clinical medicine, focusing on both the advantages and disadvantages of AMPs as antibiofilm agents. It is known that many AMPs display broad-spectrum antimicrobial activities, but in a variety of organisms AMPs are not stable (short half-life) or have some toxic side effects. Hence, it is also important to develop new AMP analogues for their potential use as drug candidates. The use of one health approach along with developing novel therapies using phages and breakthroughs in novel antimicrobial peptide synthesis can help us in tackling the problem of AMR.

The Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Traits of the Novel BMAP-27-Melittin Conjugated Peptide Nanoparticle Against Streptococcus mutans: Clinical Isolates from Oral Cavity

“…There is a scarcity of data regarding antibacterial and anti-biofilm effects of BMAP27-Melittin and NPs. A recent study revealed that insect peptides exert antibiofilm effects against major nosocomial pathogens via non-specific mechanisms (37). extracellular vehicles (EVs) from honeybees have exhibited antibiofilm effects against S. mutans and Streptococcus sanguinis (38).…”

Biology and Regulation of Staphylococcal Biofilm

“…Dozens of recent papers described different attempts to reduce biofilm formation or to destroy an already-formed biofilm in order to avoid the removal or replacement of an implanted material. Enzymes, antimicrobial peptides, bacteriophages, and natural compounds from vegetal origins have been used, mainly in vitro, with variable results [ 133 , 134 , 135 , 136 , 137 , 138 , 139 , 140 , 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 ]. Interesting observations were reported by Caballero Gomez in the field of meat-chain production using natural compounds extracted from essential oils alone or in combination with EDTA [ 133 ].…”

The rise of antibiotic resistance in Campylobacter

“…Antimicrobial peptides, such as puroindoline A (PinA), melittin (AMP found in honeybees), nonribosomal lipopeptides, and tridecaptins (a group of cationic linear nonribosomal peptides) have certain inhibitory effects on Campylobacter spp., but most require combined treatment with antibiotics, and their effects on multiple Campylobacter spp. require further investigation [19]. Phage therapy is a promising strategy to ameliorate C. jejuni infections in livestock.…”

“…Efforts are also being made to develop new ways to eliminate or reduce the economic harm of Campylobacter infections; for example, as a suitable replacement of the antimicrobial agents, the mixture of eugenol and trans-cinnamaldehyde could promote the growth of broiler chickens [18]. Alternative control strategies, including phage and antimicrobial peptide technologies, are considered promising approaches to reducing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) [7 ▪▪ ,19].…”