Host immunomodulation strategies to combat pandemic-associated antimicrobial-resistant secondary bacterial infections

Abstract

The incidence of secondary bacterial infections has increased in recent decades owing to various viral pandemics. These infections further increase the morbidity and mortality rates associated with viral infections and remain a significant challenge in clinical practice. Intensive antibiotic therapy has mitigated the threat of such infections; however, overuse and misuse of antibiotics have resulted in poor outcomes, such as inducing the emergence of bacterial populations with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and reducing the therapeutic options for this crisis. Several antibiotic substitutes have been suggested and employed; however, they have certain limitations and novel alternatives are urgently required. This review highlights host immunomodulation as a promising strategy against secondary bacterial infections to overcome AMR. The definition and risk factors of secondary bacterial infections, features and limitations of currently available therapeutic strategies, host immune responses, and future perspectives for treating such infections are discussed.