Effective alternative strategies to combat challenges associated with MDR bacterial infections: Drug repurposing, role of artificial intelligence, and novel therapeutic options

Antibiotic failure has emerged as a critical global health concern, driven by a combination of factors including the stagnation in the discovery of new antibiotics, the widespread emergence of resistance mechanisms among clinical bacterial isolates, and the persistence of recurrent infections caused by tolerant and non-responsive bacterial populations. This review explores contemporary and innovative anti-infective strategies aimed at countering multidrug-resistant (MDR) and persistent bacterial pathogens. Key approaches discussed include the application of antimicrobial peptides, anti-virulence compounds, bacteriophage therapy, and the development of novel therapeutic molecules. Furthermore, this review highlights the strategic repurposing of existing FDA-approved drugs-such as anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, anti-helminthic, anticancer agents, and statins-as alternative therapeutics. The integration of artificial intelligence in antimicrobial research is also addressed as a promising avenue to accelerate the identification of effective interventions against MDR infections.