The book New Antibiotic Discovery addresses the increasingly critical issue of antimicrobial resistance and the urgent need for novel antibiotics to combat superbugs. Highlighting the slowing pace of new drug development, the book explores both traditional methods, like sourcing compounds from nature, and cutting-edge laboratory techniques aimed at overcoming resistance mechanisms. One intriguing aspect covered is how the overuse of antibiotics in both medicine and agriculture has significantly contributed to the rise of drug resistance, threatening to reverse medical advancements. This comprehensive work uniquely bridges basic scientific discovery with practical applications in medicine and public health.
The book progresses from foundational concepts of antibiotic action and resistance, through the exploration of diverse environments for novel compounds, to laboratory-based approaches like synthetic biology. It culminates in a discussion of clinical applications, antimicrobial stewardship, and strategies for combating resistance, providing a broad overview of the field for a wide audience interested in microbiology, science, and global health.
