Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to the capability of microorganisms to resist the effects of antimicrobials that were previously effective in treating infections caused by them. This resistance can occur naturally or be selected through genetic mutations or acquired by the transfer of resistance genes between microorganisms. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics and other antimicrobial drugs are the leading causes of AMR. When antibiotics are prescribed unnecessarily, or when patients do not complete their full course of antibiotics, the bacteria that caused the infection can develop resistance to the drug, making it ineffective in treating the same infection. AMR is a growing public health threat that can contribute to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. It can also limit the effectiveness of medical procedures such as chemotherapy, surgery, and organ transplantation. Preventing and controlling AMR requires a coordinated effort from healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers, including the responsible use of antibiotics and the development of new antimicrobial drugs.

The use of natural products as antimicrobial agents has attracted renewed interest in recent years, especially with the emergence of drug-resistant bacteria. Natural products have the potential to act as antimicrobial agents through various mechanisms, including inhibition of cell wall synthesis, disruption of membrane integrity, inhibition of protein synthesis, inhibition of DNA synthesis, and interference with metabolic pathways. Some examples of natural products with antimicrobial activity include: Plant-derived compounds (such as alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolics), Essential oils, Marine-derived compounds and Microbial-derived compounds.  Despite the antimicrobial potential of natural products, there are several challenges that need to be overcome. These include the difficulty in obtaining sufficient quantities of some natural products, the complexity of their chemical structures, and the lack of standardized methods for evaluating their efficacy and safety. In conclusion, natural products have the potential to act as effective antimicrobial agents, and further research is needed to explore their potential for use in clinical settings.

This Special Issue therefore encourages authors to provide the public with cutting-edge original scientific manuscripts and reviews on the following topics:

1. Antimicrobial Resistance
2. Antimicrobial Activity of Natural Products and Derivatives

Dr. Godfred A. Menezes
Dr. Wil Goessens
Guest Editors

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