Dear Colleagues,

Based on historical evidence, we know that ancient civilizations already used a variety of natural products for the treatment of infectious diseases. Medicinal plants and marine and terrestrial organisms are great sources of natural antimicrobials, furthermore research on natural compounds can open a new horizon in drug discovery in order to find effective antimicrobial agents.

The rapid spread and evolution of bacterial antimicrobial resistance is a major concern regarding the efficacy of antimicrobial therapy, leading to the need to find new antibacterial and resistant modifying agents. Furthermore, the application of natural compounds can decrease or block certain bacterial virulence factors e.g., the inhibition of over-expressed efflux pumps and biofilm production can contribute to successful treatment. A new perspective could be the combination of conventional antibiotics with natural compounds as adjuvants that can overcome resistance and enhance the activity of the antibiotics.

This Special Issue of Microorganisms invites both reviews and original articles that consider natural antimicrobials as potential drug candidates against multidrug resistant microorganisms. Planned topics include: the discovery of natural antibacterial compounds, application of natural compounds in the antimicrobial therapy, natural efflux pump inhibitors, natural anti-biofilm agents, and the combination of conventional antibiotics and natural compounds. You are also welcome to propose a unique topic.

Dr. Gabriella Spengler
Guest Editor

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