Anti-virulence Therapy against Bacterial Infections: Mechanisms of Action and Challenges

Abstract

Context: The unprecedented rise in antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections is a challenging dilemma, urging the development of novel and effective antibiotics for the treatment of such infections. Anti-virulence therapy is a promising solution in this regard. Unlike antibiotics, these drugs could lower the selective evolutionary pressure on a bacterial population and target the virulence factor rather than the growth pathways, thereby targeting and repressing the propagation of antibiotic resistance and virulence genes in bacteria. The present study aimed to investigate anti-virulence therapy against bacterial infections, as well as the mechanisms of action and challenges. Objectives: This literature review aimed to discuss the issues of antibiotic resistance developed in bacterial infections, the difficulties in antibiotic treatment, the mechanisms involved in anti-virulence therapy, and the approved anti-virulence drug therapeutics. Results: We outlined the success in overcoming antibiotic resistance by using anti-virulence therapy as an alternate treatment option, while also discussing the drawbacks associated with their use and safety against bacterial infections. Conclusions: According to the results, anti-virulence therapy combined with antibiotic treatment is effective in the treatment of several bacterial infections.