Bacteriocins as a Promising Antimicrobial Strategy Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens: Mechanisms of Action, Applications in Human and Animal Health, and the Food Industry.

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance has significantly increased the difficulty treating infectious agents, creating an urgent need for alternative therapeutic strategies. In this context, bacteriocins have emerged as a promising solution, offering a potential alternative to conventional antibacterial therapies. This review explores the potential application of bacteriocins in combating pathogenic bacteria across various sectors, including healthcare and the food industry, while also highlighting mechanisms of action. Bacteriocins are antimicrobial peptides produced ribosomally by certain bacteria and archaea, capable of inhibiting the growth of similar pathogens through distinct modes of action. These peptides have been utilized in both human and veterinary medicine, as well as in agriculture, where they help in preventing unwanted growth of microorganisms. In veterinary practice, bacteriocins are incorporated into products such as udder disinfectants for dairy cattle and topical dermatological formulations for dogs, cats, and horses. Given their broad range of applications, bacteriocins warrant greater consideration by clinicians, veterinarians and industry stakeholders for the prevention and control of microbial infections. Nevertheless, the implementation of robust surveillance systems is crucial for curbing the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens, rather than relying solely on conventional antibiotic therapies.