Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Diagnostic Approaches for Clostridioides difficile Infection.
Authors: Berry P et al
Abstract
This article offers a clinically focused overview of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) diagnosis, emphasizing the need to test only symptomatic patients and to distinguish true infection from colonization. It reviews multistep diagnostic algorithms that pair glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) testing or nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) with toxin assays to improve accuracy. The limitations of PCR-only approaches are discussed, with a strong emphasis on clinical correlation. Guideline-based recommendations are integrated throughout, providing evidence-based direction for clinicians managing CDI in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Integrative Strategies Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria: Synthesizing Novel Antimicrobial Frontiers for Global Health.
Authors: Rathored D et al
Abstract
Concerningly, multidrug-resistant bacteria have emerged as a prime worldwide trouble, obstructing the treatment of infectious diseases and causing doubts about the therapeutic accidentalness of presently existing drugs. Novel antimicrobial interventions deserve development as conventional antibiotics are incapable of keeping pace with bacteria evolution. Various promising approaches to combat MDR infections are discussed in this review. Antimicrobial peptides are examined for their broad-spectrum efficacy and reduced ability to develop resistance, while phage therapy may be used under extreme situations when antibiotics fail. In addition, the possibility of CRISPR-Cas systems for specifically targeting and eradicating resistance genes from bacterial populations will be explored. Nanotechnology has opened up the route to improve the delivery system of the drug itself, increasing the efficacy and specificity of antimicrobial action while protecting its host. Discovering potential antimicrobial agents is an exciting prospect through developments in synthetic biology and the rediscovery of natural product-based medicines. Moreover, host-directed therapies are now becoming popular as an adjunct to the main strategies of therapeutics without specifically targeting pathogens. Although these developments appear impressive, questions about production scaling, regulatory approvals, safety, and efficacy for clinical employment still loom large. Thus, tackling the MDR burden requires a multi-pronged plan, integrating newer treatment modalities with existing antibiotic regimens, enforcing robust stewardship initiatives, and effecting policy changes at the global level. The international health community can gird itself against the growing menace of antibiotic resistance if collaboration between interdisciplinary bodies and sustained research endeavours is encouraged. In this study, we evaluate the synergistic potential of combining various medicines in addition to summarizing recent advancements. To rethink antimicrobial stewardship in the future, we provide a multi-tiered paradigm that combines pathogen-focused and host-directed strategies.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Antifungal Drug Resistance.
DOI: 10.1007/82_2025_327
Authors: Rhodes J et al
Abstract
Fungal infections pose an important threat to public health and food security, and with the rise in antifungal drug and fungicide resistance, we are faced with a global crisis. Currently, humanity is at an intersection of global climate change driving the expansion of species range distributions, emergence of novel pathogenic fungi, and changing at-risk populations. Here, we review the main mechanisms of antifungal drug and fungicide resistance, new drugs and mode-of-action drug classes, and future topics for risk reduction. We propose that integrating One Health and surveillance is a crucial first step in addressing this issue. Additionally, we emphasise that global collaboration among multiple stakeholders is essential to reverse the current upward trend in observed resistance. Finally, plant and medical mycologists can and should work together for the creation of a common language and antifungal stewardship plan.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
A Comparative Review of the Pharmacology of Dalbavancin and Oritavancin for Gram-Positive Infections: Birds of a Feather or Apples and Oranges?
Authors: Hussein M et al
Abstract
The clinical landscape of Gram-positive infections has been reshaped with the introduction of long-acting lipoglycopeptides, particularly dalbavancin and oritavancin. Both agents share broad-spectrum activity against multidrug-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant strains, yet differ markedly in pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, resistance profiles, and clinical adoption. This review presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of their structural innovations, distinct pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics, and dual mechanisms of action, supported by minimum inhibitory concentration data across key pathogens. Despite belonging to the same antimicrobial class, these agents exhibit important differences in real-world applications and clinical integration. Here real-world evidence is highlighted supporting off-label use in osteomyelitis, endocarditis, and bloodstream infections, where traditional therapies fall short. Furthermore, resistance development, drug-drug interaction profiles, and outpatient utility is explored, providing actionable insights for optimizing treatment strategies. These findings underscore the need for tailored clinical integration of dalbavancin and oritavancin and spotlight their potential roles in future antimicrobial stewardship frameworks.
Other specific DSP article suggested by Editorial Board
Strengthening Community Antimicrobial Stewardship in Africa: A Systematic Review of the Roles, Challenges, and Opportunities of Community Health and Animal Health Workers.
Authors: Tumwine C et al
Abstract
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains a critical global health challenge, and is mainly due to inappropriate antimicrobial use in human and animal health sectors. This systematic review examines the roles of Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) and Community Health Workers (CHWs) in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) across Africa where AMR burden is highest and AMS programs are limited. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review analyzed 16 studies (2017-2024) from nine African nations. Seven key roles of CAHWs and CHWs in AMS were identified : 1) provision of clinical services (13 studies); 2) community mobilization (8 studies); 3) health promotion (7 studies); 4) provision of preventive services (5 studies); 5) epidemiological surveillance (4 studies); 6) advocacy (2 studies), and 7) medical waste management (2 studies). Despite their roles, challenges such as lack of supportive legislation (3 studies), inadequate remuneration (2 studies), and total reliance on foreign funding hinder AMS program sustainability. While most studies (14 studies) indicated that CAHWs and CHWs had received AMS training, their roles in the national AMR strategies remain unclear. CAHW and CHWs could be leveraged in advancing health promotion, raising AMR awareness, supporting AMR surveillance, enhancing integrated management of diseases, and improving waste management within One Health frameworks. To realize this potential, there is a need to formalize CAHW/CHW roles through targeted legislation, specialized training and sustainable funding. This evidence highlights the critical need for policy reforms to harness their potential in strengthening health systems and curbing AMR across Africa. PROSPERO registration number: CRD420251027215.