Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and Newer Approaches to Combat against It

Antimicrobial resistance is a global health crisis and a threat to human and animal health, environmental safety, andeconomic stability. Indiscriminate use, overuse or misuse of antibiotics in human body, agriculture product and veterinarypractices have boosted this condition and further worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic, where increase in irrationaluse of antibiotic was noticed. The main sufferer of this condition is low- and middle-income countries due to poor healthinfrastructure, poor regulation, and frequent practices of self-medication, particularly evident in regions such as SouthAsia.The present review discusses current scenario of antimicrobial resistance and recent strategies developed against it.These novel developments include bacteriophage therapy, bacteriocins, antimicrobial peptides and nanotechnology-based drug delivery approaches. Those emerging solutions offer some mechanisms like, targeted alternatives toconventional antibiotics, reducing the impact on beneficial microbiota and slowing resistance development. The OneHealth approach (household, animal and environmental health programs) play an integral part in the global restraintof AMR. Public awareness of proper use, antibiotic stewardship programs and enhanced surveillance will be essentialto fostering responsible use of antibiotics and inhibiting the spread of AMR. A combined and multi-pronged responseis needed to secure the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy for new generations.