Mechanisms of Action and Resistance of Antibiotics

Antibiotics have been fundamental in the treatment of bacterial infections in both human and veterinary medicine; however, their extensive and often inappropriate use has accelerated the emergence and global spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Antimicrobial resistance has become a major public health concern, threatening both the effectiveness of current therapies and the achievements of modern medicine. Global projections suggest that, if appropriate control measures are not implemented, AMR could result in up to 10 million deaths annually by 2050. Resistance arises from targeted adaptive strategies developed by bacteria in response to antibiotic exposure, involving complex molecular and biochemical processes that enable bacterial survival. This review provides a comprehensive overview of antibiotic mechanisms of action and the resistance strategies employed by bacteria, highlighting the dynamic reciprocal relationship between these two processes. This interplay underscores the critical importance of an in-depth molecular understanding for informing effective therapeutic approaches and the development of future antimicrobial strategies.