Antibacterial alternatives in the scope of one health

Abstract

The use of antibiotics for the treatment of infectious diseases began in the 1940s, with penicillin. In spite of their unquestionable contribution to the decline of morbidity and mortality rates in both human and veterinary medicine, antibiotics administration prompted the emergence and dissemination of multiresistant bacterial strains. This phenomenon represents a major concern for Public and Animal Health worldwide and has instigated the development of new generation antibiotics. However, these new molecules soon became ineffective due to the capability of bacteria to evolve, in particular through mutations or horizontal gene transfer. In the scope of One Health, the search for antibacterial alternatives is a major priority, aiming at the successful prevention and control of infectious diseases in both humans and animals, especially due to the decline of the investment from the pharmaceutical industry in the development and commercialization of new antibiotics. Several hypotheses are being investigated, including antimicrobial peptides, phage therapy, probiotics and biocides.