Pushing the Frontiers in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance: The Potential of Fecal and Maggot Therapies

Abstract

The escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) warrants innovative therapeutic strategies. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and maggot debridement therapy (MDT) represent paradigm-shifting approaches, leveraging biological systems to mitigate AMR. FMT restores a healthy gut microbiome, providing a biotherapeutic counter to pathogenic bacteria, thereby reducing reliance on traditional antibiotics. Conversely, MDT, a form of bio-debridement, utilizes the antimicrobial secretions of maggots to cleanse wounds and eliminate resistant bacteria. Despite the promise these therapies hold, their broader clinical adoption faces multifaceted challenges including the need for rigorous scientific substantiation, standardized protocols, deepened understanding of mechanisms of action, and surmounting regulatory and public acceptance barriers. However, their potential integration with precision medicine could revolutionize disease management, particularly with antibiotic-resistant infections.

Plain Language Summary

The rising problem of drug-resistant infections calls for new treatment methods. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and maggot debridement therapy (MDT) offer innovative solutions. FMT uses healthy gut bacteria to fight harmful ones, while MDT employs maggots to clean wounds and kill resistant bacteria. Although promising, these methods face challenges like a lack of understanding, standardization and public acceptance. Their potential, however, could transform how we manage antibiotic-resistant diseases.

Tweetable abstract

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and maggot debridement therapy (MDT) present paradigm-shifting strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Offering biological counters to pathogenic bacteria & antibiotic reliance. Promise & challenges ahead. #AMR #FMT #MDT.

Keywords:

• antimicrobial resistance
• biotherapeutics
• fecal microbiota transplantation
• gut microbiome
• maggot debridement therapy

Author contributions

B Haruna conceived the idea for the manuscript. All authors actively participated in writing and revising the document. After thorough review and collaborative refinement, all authors approved the final version of the manuscript.

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.