Anti-virulence as a Novel Strategy for Combating Multi-drug Resistant Escherichia coli

Abstract

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative bacterium that has the potential to be either harmful or beneficial as a foodborne pathogen, nosocomial organism, or part of the normal microbiota. It is one of the most prevalent nosocomial pathogens in the human population and is a life-threatening risk. Escherichia coli is the primary causative agent of urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal tract infections, pneumonia, surgical site infections, hemolytic uremic syndrome, sepsis, and neonatal meningitis. The production of virulence factors such as biofilm, motility, serum resistance, and protease enzymes by Escherichia coli contributes to its pathogenicity. The emergence of multi-drug resistant strains of Escherichia coli, due to the inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents, has made treatment challenging. Infectious diseases stemming from antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli represent a menace to global health, carrying significant social and economic implications. Antivirulence therapy presents a promising approach to combat microbial infections. This strategy revolves around disarming microbial pathogens by diminishing the production of virulence factors and eradicating their ability to harm the host. It is foreseen that anti-virulence agents could address infections caused by multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli, either as supplementary or as substitutes for traditional antibiotics.