New perspectives on antibacterial drug research

Abstract

Bacterial resistance to commonly used antibiotics is constantly increasing. Bacteria particularly dangerous for human life are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium and fluoroquinolone-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Hence, there is an incessant need for developing compounds with new modes of action and seeking alternate drug targets. In this review, the authors discuss the current situation of antibacterial medicines and present data on new antibiotic targets. Moreover, alternatives to antibiotics, such as bacteriophages, antimicrobial peptides and monoclonal antibodies, are presented. The authors also draw attention to the valuable features of natural sources in developing antibacterial compounds. The need to prevent and control infections as well as the reasonable use of currently available antibiotics is also emphasized. © 2013 Versita Warsaw and Springer-Verlag Wien.