Antibacterial Activity of Endophytic Bacteria against Human Pathogenic Bacteria: Article Review

Endophytic bacteria are microorganisms residing within plant tissues without causing apparent disease symptoms on their host. Over the past decade, endophytic bacteria have gained considerable attention as sources of novel bioactive compounds, particularly antibacterial agents with the potential to combat antimicrobial resistance. This systematic review analyzes more than 200 international and national journal articles published over the last ten years (2014–2024) concerning the antibacterial activity of endophytic bacteria against human pathogenic bacteria. A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, with the literature search performed in April 2026 using the following major electronic databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and the Indonesian national journal portal, SINTA. Results demonstrate that endophytic bacteria from the genera Bacillus, Streptomyces, Pseudomonas, Arthrobacter, Pseudarthrobacter, Serratia, and Enterobacter are most frequently reported as producers of active antibacterial compounds. Endophytic isolates from medicinal plants consistently show greater potency than those from non-medicinal plants. Bioactive compounds reported include lipopeptides (surfactin, iturin, fengycin), terpenoids, alkaloids, polyketides, cyclic peptides, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The most frequently targeted human pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA), Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Inhibitory mechanisms involve cell membrane disruption, cell wall synthesis inhibition, and nucleotide metabolism interference. These findings confirm that endophytic bacteria represent a promising reservoir for the development of next-generation antibiotics amid the global antimicrobial resistance crisis.