MECHANISMS OF BACTERIAL MULTIDRUG RESISTANCE: FOCUS ON BIOCIDE-MEDIATED CROSS-RESISTANCE, GEOPOLITICAL DISSEMINATION, AND NOVEL THERAPEUTIC FRONTIERS

Abstract

This article provides an in-depth review of the molecular mechanisms responsible for bacterial multidrug resistance (MDR), including efflux pump overexpression, enzymatic inactivation, target modification, and biofilm-associated tolerance. A structured literature search of major academic databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library) from 2010 to present was conducted to synthesize relevant molecular and clinical data. The paper analyzes epidemiological trends, the impact of geopolitical factors on MDR dissemination, and the growing burden on healthcare systems. It also evaluates current and emerging therapeutic strategies such as bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and efflux pump inhibitors, emphasizing translational barriers, regulatory limitations, and future research directions.