Anti-multidrug resistance: A narrative review

Putri, Wahyu Aristyaning; Siregar, Abdul Rahman; Sofyantoro, Fajar; Yano, Shihiko; Prastiyanto, Muhammad Evy; Wibowo, Anjar Tri

doi:10.21608/mid.2025.350073.2433

Anti-multidrug resistance: A narrative review

Articles in Press

Document Type : Review Article

Authors

¹ Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 55281

² Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Hospital, Japan

³ Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Universitas Muhammadiyah, Semarang, Indonesia 50273

⁴ Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia 60115

10.21608/mid.2025.350073.2433

Abstract

Background: The escalating challenge of antimicrobial resistance and multidrug-resistant organisms represents a profound threat to global health systems, underscoring an urgent need for transformative therapeutic strategies. This overview examines current pharmacological solutions and emerging compounds with anti-multidrug-resistant potential. While traditional antimicrobials falter, novel interventions sourced from diverse biological origins; small molecules derived from plants, microbial by products, and fungal metabolites offer promising alternative pathways. Active peptides and structurally unique novel antibiotics represent another frontier in dismantling resistance mechanisms. Furthermore, compounds beyond conventional antimicrobials exhibit auxiliary roles that potentiate existing treatments or directly inhibit resistance pathways. Advances in technology also hold potential to address antimicrobial resistance through highly specific and efficient solutions. Genome editing tools enable precise modifications to pathogen genomes, while nanotechnology facilitates targeted drug delivery, minimizing off-target effects. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms further enhance our ability to predict resistance patterns and optimize drug discovery pipelines, accelerating the development of next-generation antimicrobials. Collectively, these multidisciplinary innovations foster a novel therapeutic landscape, offering hope for a future where the threat of multidrug-resistant pathogens can be effectively managed and mitigated.

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