Novel Therapeutic Approaches and Alternatives to Antibiotic Therapy for Drug-Resistant Intra-Abdominal Infections

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among pathogens involved in intra-abdominal infections (IAIs) represents a critical and escalating clinical challenge. The interconnected nature of antimicrobial resistance, spanning human medicine, veterinary practice, agricultural use and environmental reservoirs, has required coordinated international responses based on the ‘One Health’ principle. This study presents an update on efforts underway worldwide to develop new antibiotics, novel combined antimicrobial agents, and alternatives to classic therapies for IAIs. New antibiotics or compounds with antibacterial activity are currently in various stages of clinical trials, including several fluoroquinolones, beta-lactamase inhibitors, and polymyxin analogues. To reduce the risk of bacterial resistance, various additions to antimicrobial treatments are being explored, such as nanoparticles (NPs), antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), bacteriophages, the CRISPR/Cas system, and probiotics. Each modality offers distinct mechanisms that circumvent established resistance pathways, including multi-target membrane disruption, sequence-specific gene editing, and microbiome restoration. Current preclinical and clinical evidence is synthesized, and key translational barriers, including delivery challenges, safety concerns, regulatory complexity, and the need for IAI-specific pharmacokinetic data are critically examined. In conclusion, the convergence of novel antibiotic agents and non-traditional antimicrobial strategies reviewed herein provides the foundation for a new paradigm in the management of drug-resistant IAIs. The transition from a monotherapy-centric approach to an integrated, multi-modal treatment framework, guided by rapid diagnostics and informed by antimicrobial stewardship, will be essential to preserve therapeutic efficacy against AMR threats of the coming decades.