Recent trends in medicinal applications of mercury based organometallic and coordination compounds

Abstract Metal-based drugs are finding new medical applications, particularly in antibacterial therapies. Compounds such as Prontosil and ciprofloxacin, as well as its derivatives such as beta-lactam drugs, aminoglycosides, vancomycin, fosfomycin, as well as tetracyclines, play critical roles in the prevention of bacterial and fungal infections. The increasing prevalence of microbial resistance is prompting the use of metal complexes to tackle fungal and bacterial strains. Mercury-based complexes, which are known for their unusual characteristics and reactivity, have received a lot of interest in the field of medicine recently. Additionally, Schiff base complexes are widely used as antifungal, antibacterial, and anticancer drugs, as well as in dye manufacturing. This article discusses current advances in the use of mercury compounds for combating fungus and bacteria, offering information on their efficacy and future applications.