Nonconventional Therapeutics against Staphylococcus aureus

Microbiol Spectr. 2018 Nov;6(6):10.1128/microbiolspec.gpp3-0047-2018. doi: 10.1128/microbiolspec.GPP3-0047-2018.

Abstract

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most important human pathogens that is responsible for a variety of diseases ranging from skin and soft tissue infections to endocarditis and sepsis. In recent decades, the treatment of staphylococcal infections has become increasingly difficult as the prevalence of multi-drug resistant strains continues to rise. With increasing mortality rates and medical costs associated with drug resistant strains, there is an urgent need for alternative therapeutic options. Many innovative strategies for alternative drug development are being pursued, including disruption of biofilms, inhibition of virulence factor production, bacteriophage-derived antimicrobials, anti-staphylococcal vaccines, and light-based therapies. While many compounds and methods still need further study to determine their feasibility, some are quickly approaching clinical application and may be available in the near future.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology*
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antibodies, Bacterial / pharmacology
  • Bacteriophages / physiology
  • Biofilms / drug effects
  • Drug Discovery
  • Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Phage Therapy / methods
  • Photochemotherapy / methods
  • Quorum Sensing / drug effects
  • Staphylococcal Infections / drug therapy*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / drug effects*
  • Staphylococcus aureus / pathogenicity
  • Virulence / drug effects
  • Virulence Factors

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Virulence Factors