Abstract

Mohammad Asif, Pragya Sharma, Dr. Shailesh Jain, Dr. Rita Mourya

ABSTRACT

Antibiotic resistance represents one of the most pressing global health challenges of the 21st century, threatening to undermine decades of medical progress. This comprehensive review examines the diverse mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens develop resistance to antimicrobial agents, including enzymatic inactivation, target modification, efflux pump overexpression, and reduced permeability. We analyze current and emerging mitigation strategies, ranging from antimicrobial stewardship programs to novel therapeutic approaches such as bacteriophage therapy, immunotherapy, and combination treatments. The review synthesizes recent advances in understanding resistance evolution and highlights promising interventions that could help preserve antibiotic efficacy. Key challenges include the rapid dissemination of resistance genes, limited pipeline of new antimicrobials, and the need for coordinated global action. Successful mitigation requires a multifaceted approach integrating clinical practice improvements, policy interventions, technological innovations, and fundamental research advances.