Rising Drug Resistance in Skin and Soft Tissue Infecting Pathogens: An Integrative Analysis

Bacterial skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) are a major health concern worldwide because of their high prevalence, frequent recurrence, and increasing antibiotic resistance. Recent research indicates that SSTI incidence can reach up to 77.5 cases per year in high-income settings, while prevalence rates may be as high as 66% among hospitalised patients in resource-limited regions. Recurrence rates range from 7%-45% depending on comorbidities, treatment adequacy, and host variables. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other resistant bacteria reduce the efficacy of traditional treatments. Novel antibiotics such as dalbavancin, tedizolid, oritavancin, and delafloxacin are effective against resistant SSTIs, but their use varies regionally. This review summarises recent research on SSTI epidemiology, recurrence, and resistance patterns, emphasising diagnostic gaps, treatment problems, and potential therapeutic methods. Enhanced surveillance, uniform reporting, and newer antimicrobials are critical for reducing the SSTI burden and directing future research.