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Recent Trends and the Future of Antimicrobial Agents provides a significantly expanded overview of the topic with updated research in a broader context on the development of alternative approaches against microbial infections. This part consists of ten chapters. The first five chapters describe naturally derived antimicrobial compounds such as plant-based antimicrobials (PBAs), enzymes-based and antibody-based antibacterial therapeutic and secondary metabolites from plant endophytes. The book proceeds to provide details about antimicrobials derived from marine microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and cyanobacteria) is included to inform readers about effective medications against MDR strains. Specific chapters describe the drug development against protozoans, with one chapter focusing on Plasmodium. Chapter contributors have postulated novel approaches for antimalarial therapeutics. The book also includes an explanation of host target identification and drug discovery with the purpose of informing the reader about the implications in viral biology and how they could be exploited for treating viral diseases. The contents cater to the information needs of professionals and learners in academia, industry and health services who aim to learn the most significant experimental and practical approaches towards finding alternatives to existing antimicrobial therapies.

This second edition of Clinical Use of Anti-Infective Agents provides a comprehensive overview of current approaches to using drugs to treat infections, including historical perspectives, definitions, and discussion of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and their uses. It includes a detailed explanation of different classes of drugs, outlining their spectrum, pharmacokinetics, side effects, and dosing in clinical settings. This book has been designed as a reference tool for pharmacists, clinicians, nurse practitioners, and clinical microbiologists, as well as a teaching vehicle for students studying infection and patient treatment.Each section includes references allowing for in-depth study of specific agents, Q&As, and illustrative case studies accompanied by commentary on how to approach patients and organisms, optimal methods of making a diagnosis, and prescribing treatment.

Textiles and Their Use in Microbial Protection: Focus on COVID-19 and Other Viruses provides readers with vital information about disinfection mechanisms used in textile applications in the fight against dangerous microbes and viruses. KEY FEATURES: Introduces the basics of textile materials used for medical applications Features key information on virology, characterization, indication, and passivation of COVID-19 Describes UV, photocatalysis, photooxidation, application of TiO2, copper-based viral inhibition, and activated carbon Discusses antiviral finishes for the protection against SARS-CoV-2, particle penetration in dense cotton fabrics under swollen state, and the impact of moisture on face masks and their designs Aimed at textile and materials engineers as well as readers in medical fields, this text offers a comprehensive view of fundamentals and solutions in the use of textiles for microbial protection.

This book provides essential insights into microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and the anti-microbial drug resistance of various human pathogens on the basis of various model organisms. The initial sections of the book introduce readers to the mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, anti-microbial drug resistance, and the dynamics of biofilm formation. Due to the emergence of various microbial resistant strains, it is especially important to understand the prognosis for microbial infections, disease progression profiles, and mechanisms of resistance to antibiotic therapy in order to develop novel therapeutic strategies. In turn, the second part of the book presents a comparative analysis of various animal models to help readers understand microbial pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, anti-microbial drug discovery, anti-biofilm therapeutics, and treatment regimes. Given its scope, the book represents a valuable asset formicrobiologists, biotechnologists, medical professionals, drug development researchers, and pharmacologists alike.

This volume of Frontiers in Anti-Infective Agents provides updates on the most recent studies about anti-infective agents, their mechanism of action, the relevant molecular targets and their implication in the development of novel antibiotics that have properties similar to their corresponding compounds of natural origin. The initial chapter covers the mode of action of natural antimycobacterial compounds such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid, α-mangostin and allicin, as well as antimicrobial peptides and their role in the innate and adaptive immune response leading to the decrease of microbial resistance. This is followed by updates on tuberculosis treatment concerning the immunological role of cells (airway epithelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils and T cells) along with their products (chemokines, cytokines) and other processes such as autophagy that influence the outcome of the host immune response to the infection. Contributors have also reviewed the latest knowledge in the cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger a protective, immune response and the identification of the molecular targets for vaccine development, all of which are a key priority to develop control measures against Babesia species like Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. Additionally, the neuro-endocrine and neuro-immune mechanisms behind host responses against stress and environmental stimuli during infections are also covered in separate chapters. The volume also provides updates related to Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis. The reviews presented in Anti-infective Research and Development provide timely updates for scholars and professionals associated with the field of antimicrobial research and development.

To prevent bacterial adherence, invasion and infection, antimicrobials such as antibiotics are being used and vastly researched nowdays. Several factors such as natural selection, mutations in genes, the presence of efflux pumps, impermeability of the cell wall, structural changes in enzymes and receptors, biofilm formation, and quorum sensing cause microorganisms to develop resistance against antimicrobials. Isolates that synthesize extended spectrum-β-lactamases (ESBL), induced β-lactamases (IBL), carbapenamases, metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs), and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamases (NDM) have emerged. Determining virulence factors such as biofilms and the level of antimicrobial activities of antimicrobial agents alone and in combination with appropriate doses against microorganisms is very important for the diagnosis, inhibition, and prevention of microbial infection. The goal of this book is to provide information on all these topics.

he volume is a comprehensive documentation on major infectious diseases from tropical countries which pose a serious threat to global healthcare programs. These include diseases such as tuberculosis, AIDS, leishmaniasis (kala-azar), elephantiasis, malaria, leprosy, various fungal disorders and emergent viral diseases. Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, there is an emergence of drug-resistant pathogens in many regions. Hence, there is a need to search for novel, cost-effective bioactive compounds that demonstrate high efficacy and low toxicity in human cells from unexplored ecosystems to combat emerging drug-resistant pathogens. Chapters of this volume focus on the pathogenesis and etiology of each of the mentioned diseases, updated WHO reports wherever applicable, conventional drugs and their pharmacokinetics as well as new approaches to develop anti-infective agents. The authors also present a detailed report on ‘superbugs'(multi-drug resistant pathogens) and new measures being taken up to eradicate them. Information about new antimicrobials (bioactive peptides and silk protein sericin) and the approaches taken by scientists and healthcare professionals for successful targeting of these molecules for human medicine. This volume is essential for general readers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and academicians actively involved in research on infectious diseases and anti-infective therapeutic drugs. [Series Introduction] Frontiers in Anti-Infective Agents is a book series that focuses on current and new antibiotics and vaccines. The series highlights the challenges faced by healthcare workers around the globe when facing epidemics caused by life-threatening pathogens along with the measures being taken to combat these challenges. The series is essential reading for all involved in infectious disease research including microbiologists, medical professionals, epidemiologists, and life science researchers.

The discovery of antibiotics was considered a milestone in health sciences and became the mainstay of antimicrobial therapy to treat and control bacterial infections. However, its utility has subsequently become limited, due to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance among different bacterial species, which has emerged as a global threat. The development and spread of antimicrobial resistance have been attributed to many factors, including indiscriminate use of antibiotics in the healthcare and livestock industries. The present scenario of antibiotic resistance urgently requires interventions in terms of development of newer antimicrobials, evaluation of alternative therapies, and formulation of stringent policies to curb indiscriminate use of antimicrobials. This book highlights the importance and development of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic, environmental and food bacteria, including the significance of candidate alternative therapies.

This thesis focuses on the development of efficient and scalable total syntheses of natural products that can be used as preferred scaffolds for anti-infective drug discovery. It describes the total synthesis of two classes of antimicrobial non-ribosomal peptides (NRPs) – teixobactin and the skyllamycins – with subsequent biological evaluation. The first part describes the first total synthesis of teixobactin by means of a solid-phase peptide synthesis-macrolactamisation approach, yielding a synthetic natural product that can combat a number of clinically relevant Gram-positive bacterial pathogens. The second part describes the first total synthesis of skyllamycins A-C, a family of structurally complex cyclic NRPs, which inhibit the growth of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms that are responsible for significant mortality among cystic fibrosis patients.

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have attracted extensive research attention worldwide. Harnessing and creating AMPs synthetically has the potential to help overcome increasing antibiotic resistance in many pathogens. This new edition lays the foundations for studying AMPs, including a discovery timeline, terminology, nomenclature and classifications. It covers current advances in AMP research and examines state-of-the-art technologies such as bioinformatics, combinatorial libraries, high-throughput screening, database-guided identification, genomics and proteomics-based prediction, and structure-based design of AMPs. Thoroughly updated and revised, this second edition contains new content covering: defensins; cathelicidins; anti-MRSA, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer and antibiofilm strategies; combined treatments; adjuvants in vaccines; advances in AMP technologies that cover surface coating to prevent biofilm formation; nanofiber encapsulation technologies for delivery and sustained release; and understanding innate immunity and the basis for immune boosting to overcome obstacles in developing AMPs into therapeutic agents. Written and reviewed by a group of established investigators in the field, Antimicrobial Peptides is a valuable resource for postgraduate students, researchers, educators, and medical and industrial personnel.

Fully reviewed and revised for its second edition, the Oxford Handbook of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology maintains its position as the must-have guide to all aspects of infectious diseases and microbiology. Reflecting the current approach to joint postgraduate training programmes, the handbook takes an integrated approach to both subjects. It covers the basic principles of bacteriology and virology, along with specific guidance on individual diseases and conditions, all in the accessible Oxford Handbook style. Now including new topics on important subjects such as microbiology specimen collection, commonly used media, molecular diagnostics, and antimicrobials in pregnancy, as well as incorporating new guidelines from WHO, NICE, and BASHH among others, this handbook ensures that the informaiton you need is accessible, clear, and easy-to-understand. Practical and comprehensive, this handbook includes coverage of National Frameworks and current legislation, together with information on topical issues such as bioterrorism and preventative medicine. Fully reviewed by specialist senior readers, and with useful links to up-to-date clinical information and online resources, this is an important addition to the Oxford Handbook Series.

The two volumes included in Antimicrobial Drug Resistance, Second Edition is an updated, comprehensive and multidisciplinary reference covering the area of antimicrobial drug resistance in bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites from basic science, clinical, and epidemiological perspectives. This newly revised compendium reviews the most current research and development on drug resistance while still providing the information in the accessible format of the first edition. The first volume, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance: Mechanisms of Drug Resistance, is dedicated to the biological basis of drug resistance and effective avenues for drug development. With the emergence of more drug-resistant organisms, the approach to dealing with the drug resistance problem must include the research of different aspects of the mechanisms of bacterial resistance and the dissemination of resistance genes as well as research utilizing new genomic information. These approaches will permit the design of novel strategies to develop new antibiotics and preserve the effectiveness of those currently available. The second volume, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance: Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects, is devoted to the clinical aspects of drug resistance. Although there is evidence that restricted use of a specific antibiotic can be followed by a decrease in drug resistance to that agent, drug resistance control is not easily achieved. Thus, the infectious diseases physician requires input from the clinical microbiologist, antimicrobial stewardship personnel, and infection control specialist to make informed choices for the effective management of various strains of drug-resistant pathogens in individual patients. This 2-volume set is an important reference for students in microbiology, infectious diseases physicians, medical students, basic scientists, drug development researchers, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and public health practitioners.

The two volumes included in Antimicrobial Drug Resistance, Second Edition is an updated, comprehensive and multidisciplinary reference covering the area of antimicrobial drug resistance in bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites from basic science, clinical, and epidemiological perspectives. This newly revised compendium reviews the most current research and development on drug resistance while still providing the information in the accessible format of the first edition. The first volume, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance: Mechanisms of Drug Resistance, is dedicated to the biological basis of drug resistance and effective avenues for drug development. With the emergence of more drug-resistant organisms, the approach to dealing with the drug resistance problem must include the research of different aspects of the mechanisms of bacterial resistance and the dissemination of resistance genes as well as research utilizing new genomic information. These approaches will permit the design of novel strategies to develop new antibiotics and preserve the effectiveness of those currently available. The second volume, Antimicrobial Drug Resistance: Clinical and Epidemiological Aspects, is devoted to the clinical aspects of drug resistance. Although there is evidence that restricted use of a specific antibiotic can be followed by a decrease in drug resistance to that agent, drug resistance control is not easily achieved. Thus, the infectious diseases physician requires input from the clinical microbiologist, antimicrobial stewardship personnel, and infection control specialist to make informed choices for the effective management of various strains of drug-resistant pathogens in individual patients. This 2-volume set is an important reference for students in microbiology, infectious diseases physicians, medical students, basic scientists, drug development researchers, microbiologists, epidemiologists, and public health practitioners.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) challenges the treatment of clinical infections. Despite the decline in infectious diseases mortality rates, infections are more difficult to eliminate or contain in the host, resulting in poorer outcomes to treatment, longer hospital inpatient stays, and increased mortality. Written by international experts in the field and supported by the review of the available evidence, including example case studies, Antimicrobial Stewardship provides a practical how-to guide on this growing area. Divided into three sections, the first sets the scene, looking at the key problems of antimicrobial resistance. Section two examines and identifies the key components of an antimicrobial stewardship program. Finally, the book explores specialist areas of antimicrobial stewardship ranging from antimicrobial pharmacokinetics and dynamics, to near patient testing, and infection biomarkers. Antimicrobial Stewardship will be a valuable and practical resource for infection trainees, as well as specialists from the medical, pharmacy, and nursing professions.

The aim of this book is to provide readers with a wide overview of the main healthcare-associated infections caused by bacteria and fungi able to grow as biofilm. The recently acquired knowledge on the pivotal role played by biofilm-growing microorganisms in healthcare-related infections has given a new dynamic to detection, prevention and treatment of these infections in patients admitted to both acute care hospitals and long-term care facilities. Clinicians, hygienists and microbiologists will be updated by leading scientists on the state-of-art of biofilm-based infections and on the most innovative strategies for prevention and treatment of these infections, often caused by emerging multidrug-resistant biofilm-growing microorganisms.

Antimicrobial agents are essential for the treatment of life-threatening infections and for managing the burden of minor infections in the community. In addition, they play a key role in organ and bone marrow transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, artificial joint and heart valve surgery. Unlike other classes of medicines, they are vulnerable to resistance from mutations in target microorganisms, and their adverse effects may extend to other patients (increased risk of cross-infection). As a consequence, there is a constant requirement for new agents, as well as practices that ensure the continued effective prescribing of licensed agents. The fully revised and updated seventh edition of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy is an essential guide to the principles of antimicrobial chemotherapy, the problem of resistance and its control through policies, antimicrobial stewardship and surveillance. The book provides an aid to informed, rational prescribing for common bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections. Divided in five parts, the book cover issues specific to both the developed and developing world. Part 1'General property of antimicrobial agents'discusses mechanisms of action and resistance to antibacterial, antifungal antiprotozoal, antiviral, and antiviral agents. Part 2'Resistance to antimicrobial agents'provides guidance about the problem of resistance, mechanisms of acquired resistance and genetics of resistance. Part 3'General principles of usage of antimicrobial agents'analyses the use of the laboratory, general principles of the treatment of infection, dosing in special groups (extremes of age, pregnancy, obesity), safe prescribing, prophylaxis and the role of policies in antimicrobial stewardship. Part 4'Therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents'provides advice about the treatment of common infections which are described by anatomical. There are also chapters on the management of mycobacterial disease, viral infections, HIV/AIDS and parasitic infections. The final part of the book analyses the development and marketing of antimicrobial drugs. This seventh edition of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy continues to be a valuable resource for undergraduates and graduates requiring a thorough grounding in the scientific basis and clinical application of these drugs.

This issue of Infectious Disease Clinics, edited by Sara Cosgrove, MD, Pranita Tamma, MD, and Arjun Srinvasan, MD, is devoted to Infection Prevention and Stewardship. Articles in this issue include Behavior Issues in Antimicrobial Stewardship; Research Methods and Measurement Approaches for Analyzing the Impact of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs; The Role of the Microbiology Laboratory in Antimicrobial Stewardship; Antimicrobial Stewardship in Long Term Care Facilities; Antimicrobial Stewardship in the NICU; Antimicrobial Stewardship in Immuno-compromised Populations; Antimicrobial Stewardship in Community Hospitals/Lower Resources Settings; Antimicrobial Stewardship in the Outpatient Setting; Informatics and Antimicrobial Stewardship; Antimicrobial Stewardship Interventions; and Teaching and Education in Antimicrobial Stewardship.

Natural additives are increasingly favoured over synthetic ones as methods of ensuring food safety and long shelf-life. The antimicrobial properties of both plant-based antimicrobials such as essential oils and proteins such as bacteriocins are used in, for example, edible preservative films, in food packaging and in combination with synthetic preservatives for maximum efficacy. New developments in delivery technology such as nanoencapsulation also increase the potential of natural antimicrobials for widespread use in industry. Part one introduces the different types of natural antimicrobials for food applications. Part two covers methods of application, and part three looks at determining the effectiveness of natural antimicrobials in food. Part four focuses on enhancing quality and safety, and includes chapters on specific food products. - Reviews different types of antimicrobials used in food safety and quality - Covers how antimicrobials are created to be used in different foods - Examines how the antimicrobials are used in foods to enhance the safety and quality

Since penicillin and salvarsan were discovered, a number of new drugs to combat infectious diseases have been developed, but at the same time, the number of multi-resistant microorganism strains is increasing. Thus, the design of new and effective antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agents will be a major challenge in the next years.This book reviews the current state-of-the-art in antimicrobial research and discusses new strategies for the design and discovery of novel therapies. Topics covered include the use of genetic engineering, genome mining, manipulation of gene clusters, X-ray and neutron scattering as well as the antimicrobial effects of essential oils, antimicrobial agents of plant origin, beta-lactam antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides, and cell-wall-affecting antifungal antibiotics.

Reports on the emergence and prevalence of resistant bacterial infections in hospitals and communities raise concerns that we may soon no longer be able to rely on antibiotics as a way to control infectious diseases. Effective medical care would require the constant introduction of novel antibiotics to keep up in the “arms race” with resistant pathogens.This book closely examines the latest developments in the field of antibacterial research and development. It starts with an overview of the growing prevalence of resistant Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogens, including their various resistance mechanisms, prevalence, risk factors and therapeutic options. The focus then shifts to a comprehensive description of all major chemical classes with antibacterial properties, their chemistry, mode of action, and the generation of analogs; information that provides the basis for the design of improved molecules to defeat microbial infections and combat the emerging resistances. In closing, recently developed compounds already in clinical use, those in preclinical or first clinical studies, and a number of promising targets to be exploited in the discovery stage are discussed.

There is a high demand for antimicrobials for the treatment of new and emerging microbial diseases. In particular, microbes developing multidrug resistance have created a pressing need to search for a new generation of antimicrobial agents, which are effective, safe and can be used for the cure of multidrug-resistant microbial infections. Nano-antimicrobials offer effective solutions for these challenges; the details of these new technologies are presented here. The book includes chapters by an international team of experts. Chemical, physical, electrochemical, photochemical and mechanical methods of synthesis are covered. Moreover, biological synthesis using microbes, an option that is both eco-friendly and economically viable, is presented. The antimicrobial potential of different nanoparticles is also covered, bioactivity mechanisms are elaborated on, and several applications are reviewed in separate sections. Lastly, the toxicology of nano-antimicrobials is briefly assessed.

In addition to covering the current advances in AMP research, this volume examines new technologies such as bioinformatics, combinatorial libraries, high-throughput screening, peptidomimetics, biophysics, and structural biology.

A crucial issue for antiviral therapy is the fact that all antiviral substances rapidly select for resistance; thus, monitoring and overcoming resistance has become a most important clinical paradigm of antiviral therapy. This calls for cautious use of antiviral drugs and implementation of combination therapies. In parallel, efforts in drug discovery have to be continued to develop compounds with novel mode-of-action and activity against resistant strains. This book reviews the current status of antiviral therapy, from the roads to development of new compounds to their clinical use and cost effectiveness. Individual chapters address in more detail all available drug classes and outline new approaches currently under development.