Introduction: The combined use of bioactive products and antibiotics represents a promising strategy for enhancing surgical procedures. This study presents a new approach to the development of a feasible strategy for decorating the absorbable polyglycolic acid (PGA) suture surface with Ethanol Extract Sahara Propolis (EESP) alone and in combination with Amoxicillin (AMX) to prevent biofilm formation and post-suturing infections. Methods: PGA sutures were coated with EESP, AMX, and dually coated with EESP and AMX using a dipping method. The EESP was subjected to comprehensive characterization using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the EESP/AMX-loaded PGA sutures was studied through the agar well diffusion (AWD) method against pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) collected from veterinary clinical microbiology. Results: FTIR analyses indicated the presence of intermolecular interactions between phenolic compounds in EESP. Besides, the EESP showed a very low degree of amorphous structure by XRD. Additionally, the EESP obtained on the surface of the PGA sutures showed high antimicrobial efficacy against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. The dual coating of EESP and AMX-PGA sutures was found to have greater antimicrobial activity than sutures treated with EESP-coated and AMX-coated alone. Discussion: These results suggest that EESP-AMX displayed good antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. Conclusion: EESP-AMX-coated PGA suture material revealed high antibacterial efficacy compared to the EESP- or AMX-coated suture. This work's preliminary findings highlight the promising applicability of EESP-AMX-coated PGA sutures to construct synergistic antibacterial systems within PGA sutures.
AMR develops as a result of microbial evolution under selective pressure imposed by antimicrobial use. Although antimicrobial resistance occurs in bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, this review specifically focuses on bacterial antimicrobial resistance resulting from antibiotic exposure. The mechanisms, causes, and emerging strategies related to bacterial antibiotic resistance are comprehensively analyzed. We investigate the molecular and physiological processes, such as chromosomal mutations, horizontal gene transfer, drug uptake limitation, antimicrobial target modification, enzymatic drug inactivation, active efflux systems, and biofilmassociated tolerance that underlie the development of resistance. The review highlights the distinctions between Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria while delving deeper into intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms within a unified molecular framework. Important clinical, environmental, and ecological factors that accelerate the emergence and spread of resistance are examined in addition to mechanistic discoveries. Heavy metal co-selection, wastewater and environmental contamination, improper use of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture, poor infection control procedures, and the growing role of microplastics as resistance gene vectors are some of these. A One Health viewpoint addresses transmission dynamics in clinical, community, agricultural, and environmental settings. Lastly, we critically assess existing and emerging techniques to combat AMR, including computational methods, combination and adjuvant medicines, unique and alternative therapeutic platforms, enhanced diagnostics, genomic surveillance, and antimicrobial stewardship. This review identifies key areas for research, policy, and concerted international action to maintain antibiotic efficacy by combining molecular understanding with practical issues and future directions.
Introduction: Clinacanthus nutans is used in traditional medicine in Sarawak. Among the Kenyah community, pounded leaves are applied topically to burns and scalds, whereas the Melanau community consumes leaf decoctions for hypertension and diabetes. The topical use is relevant to an anti-infective hypothesis because damaged skin is susceptible to microbial colonisation; however, the ethnobotanical reports do not establish an antimicrobial purpose or effect. This review summarizes documented uses of C. nutans in Sarawak and critically appraises peerreviewed evidence of its antibacterial activity, using interpretable endpoints. Methods: A narrative mini-review of peer-reviewed primary ethnobotanical and antibacterial studies was conducted. Evidence was prioritised when studies reported broth dilution minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values, quantified time-kill outcomes, or quantified biofilm endpoints. Findings based solely on diffusion assays were considered to provide low-strength evidence. Results: Crude leaf extracts generally demonstrated weak growth-inhibitory activity, with MIC values frequently ranging from tens to hundreds of mg/mL. MBC values were either high or not reported. Some solvent extracts and fractions achieved lower MIC values; however, confirmation of bactericidal activity remained inconsistent. Discussion: The strongest evidence was observed for quantified antibiofilm activity. However, these findings were primarily reported in oral pathogen models and did not establish antibacterial efficacy relevant to skin applications. Therefore, the available evidence supports only a cautious hypothesis regarding the use of C. nutans as a topical adjunct rather than a validated antibacterial treatment. Conclusion: Current evidence is insufficient to support C. nutans as a stand-alone antibacterial agent. Future research should prioritise standardised studies evaluating skin-relevant antibacterial and antibiofilm activity, as well as safety.
Introduction: This review explores emerging technological strategies aimed at combating Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria (MDRB), including MRSA, CRE, and VRE. These pathogens pose a critical public health threat due to rising resistance to conventional antibiotics. The study synthesizes findings on advanced approaches like nanotechnology, host-directed therapies, novel antimicrobials, combination regimens, and phytochemicals. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was performed using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with keywords including “nanoparticles,” “hostdirected therapy,” and “phytochemicals.” Inclusion criteria prioritized peer-reviewed studies on antimicrobial interventions for MDRB. Data were grouped thematically and analyzed narratively to identify effective technologies and existing research gaps. Results: Nanoparticles (e.g., AgNPs, ZnO NPs) showed antibacterial effects via membrane disruption and reactive oxygen species generation. Host-directed therapies, like cytokine modulators and immune checkpoint inhibitors, improved bacterial clearance. New antibiotics such as Cefiderocol and Eravacycline effectively targeted resistant Gram-negative strains. Combination therapies improved antibiotic efficacy, especially against biofilm-forming bacteria. Phytochemicals such as gingerol enhanced antibiotic activity and disrupted resistance mechanisms. Discussion: These technologies offer promising alternatives to failing antibiotics, especially against pathogens with complex resistance mechanisms. However, limitations include toxicity concerns (nanoparticles), immunological variability (host therapies), lack of clinical validation, and cost barriers. Integration into clinical practice remains limited by regulatory and logistical challenges. Conclusion: Advanced therapeutic strategies hold strong potential for addressing MDRB. However, successful clinical translation requires further research, global cooperation, and investment in regulatory infrastructure.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of lower respiratory tract disease in infants, young children, older adults, and individuals with cardiopulmonary comorbidities or immunocompromised states. Recent advances enable layered prevention through maternal vaccination for infant protection, long-acting monoclonal antibodies for newborns and select toddlers, and vaccines for older adults. However, inequities in surveillance, seasonality-driven timing, and challenges in affordability and delivery—particularly in low- and middle-income countries— impede equitable uptake. This editorial underscores priority populations, synthesizes current evidence and policy directions, and outlines actionable levers in financing, procurement, and integrated maternal–child health delivery to accelerate access, making RSV prevention an urgent and achievable global health priority.
