Antimicrobial Resistance in the 21st Century

Understanding and Combating the Rising Threat

Dipayan Das, Birson Ingti, Amitabha Bhattacharjee, Payel Paul

• Publisher: Academic Press
• Year: 2026
• Topic: Biological Sciences
• eBook ISBN:
  9780443447495
• Subtopic: Biology
• Index: Biological Sciences

Antimicrobial Resistance in the 21st Century: Understanding and Combating the Rising Threat addresses one of the greatest public health challenges of our time, antibiotic resistance. This book explores the science, history, and global impact of this crisis, providing readers with the knowledge they need to understand the problem and take necessary action. It meticulously unpacks the genetic, biochemical, and evolutionary mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance, while examining how human behaviors—from healthcare practices to agricultural methods—fuel its spread. It highlights the critical roles of environmental factors, misuse of antibiotics, and gaps in diagnosis and stewardship that exacerbate resistance across both clinical and community settings. It also examines innovative solutions, including next-generation antibiotics, alternative therapies, vaccines, and advances in infection control, alongside the global policy strategies necessary to combat this threat. By addressing the scientific, medical, economic, and sociocultural dimensions of antimicrobial resistance, this book provides a roadmap for coordinated, multidisciplinary efforts to preserve antibiotic efficacy and safeguard public health for future generations. It is written by global experts for researchers and scientists in microbiology, infectious diseases, public health, and pharmacology. It is also of interest to healthcare professionals such as clinicians, pharmacists, and nurses, as well as policymakers, public health officials, students, and industry professionals. - Explains how bacteria develop resistance, the role of overuse and misuse, and why new antibiotics are difficult to develop - Covers infection control measures, responsible antibiotic prescribing, and global initiatives - Discusses cutting-edge research on alternatives to antibiotics, such as bacteriophage therapy and artificial intelligence–-driven drug discovery

Table of contents

• Title of Book
• Cover image
• Title page
• Table of Contents
• Copyright
• List of contributors
• About the editors
• Preface
• Acknowledgements
• Introduction
• Chapter 1 Introduction to antibiotic resistance: mechanisms, challenges, and solutions
• Chapter 2 The science of resistance: genetic and biochemical mechanisms in antibiotic evasion
• Chapter 3 Survival of the fittest: the adaptive evolution of antibiotic-resistant bacteria
• Chapter 4 Fuelling the resistance: the impact of antibiotic misuse and overuse
• Chapter 5 Hidden hotspots: environmental drivers of antibiotic resistance
• Chapter 6 Hospital battleground: addressing antimicrobial resistance in healthcare settings
• Chapter 7 The rise of antibiotic resistance: Impacts and Solutions in community health
• Chapter 8 Tackling antibiotic resistance: challenges in everyday environments
• Chapter 9 Navigating the complexities of antibiotic resistance diagnosis
• Chapter 10 Next-gen antibiotics: breakthroughs in discovery and development
• Chapter 11 Beyond antibiotics: exploring new therapies for resistance challenges
• Chapter 12 Guarding health: the role of vaccines and preventative measures
• Chapter 13 Preserving efficacy: a comprehensive approach to antimicrobial stewardship
• Chapter 14 Global strategies for antibiotic governance: navigating policy challenges
• Chapter 15 Navigating antibiotic resistance challenges in low- and middle-income countries
• Chapter 16 The antibiotic dilemma: how the pharmaceutical industry shapes our future
• Chapter 17 Farming under fire: the role of agricultural practices in antibiotic resistance development
• Chapter 18 Cultural contexts and behavioural patterns: impacts on antibiotic utilisation
• Chapter 19 Revolutionising safety: advances in infection control and hygiene practices
• Chapter 20 The ripple effect: understanding the economic and social consequences of antibiotic resistance
• Chapter 21 Target-centric drug repurposing: a next-generation approach to confront antimicrobial resistance
• Summary: a concluding overview
• Index