Frontiers in the search for new antimicrobials: new perspectives

Abstract

Infections caused by bacteria and fungi resistant to antimicrobials are one of the main public health problems in the world. These microorganisms are associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality and also with high hospital costs. Their emergence and spread are closely related to the excessive and inappropriate use of antimicrobials in medical and veterinary practices and in animal production. For the treatment of Candida spp. there are few classes of antifungals available for treatment, the classes being: azole derivatives, polyenes and echinocandins. The class of azoles includes imidazole derivatives (ketoconazole, miconazole, clotrimazole), triazole derivatives (fluconazole, itraconazole and voriconazole) and posaconazole. These drugs can be used for topical us as well as in the treatment and prophylaxis of invasive infections. The wide use of these drugs has led to a strong selection of strains resistant to them, which is increasingly growing. The need to produce new antimicrobial drugs requires different strategies, among which we highlight the importance of bioprospecting for secondary metabolites of environmental bacteria and fungi with potential antimicrobial activity.