A Review on Antibacterial Potential of Marine Bacteria Isolated from Gracilaria sp. to Combat Tropical Diseases

Abstract

Marine bacteria associated with Gracilaria sp. have emerged as a promising source of novel antibacterial compounds for combating tropical diseases. Tropical diseases, predominantly affecting low- and middle-income countries, pose significant health challenges due to the emergence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. This review explores the antibacterial potential of marine bacteria isolated from Gracilaria sp. and their possible applications in addressing the growing threat of tropical diseases. Recent studies have investigated the diversity of bacteria associated with Gracilaria sp., revealing a wide array of microorganisms with unique metabolic pathways and the ability to produce bioactive compounds with antimicrobial properties. These compounds include polyketides, terpenoids, nitrogenous compounds, peptides, alkaloids, bile acids, phenolic compounds, and derivatives of fatty acids, which exhibit antibacterial activity through various mechanisms such as disrupting bacterial cell walls, inhibiting protein synthesis, or interfering with DNA replication. Notably, marine bacteria isolated from Gracilaria sp., such as Bacillus licheniformis, have demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against pathogens relevant to tropical diseases, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The unique chemical compositions and innovative mechanisms of action of these marine-derived antibiotics offer advantages in combating antibiotic resistance, as they target bacterial pathways distinct from those affected by traditional antibiotics and exhibit lower toxicity to human cells. Furthermore, the synergistic effects of these compounds with existing antibiotics highlight their potential in enhancing the effectiveness of current treatments. The identification of bioactive substances and the extensive potential of marine bacteria associated with Gracilaria sp. underscore their promise as sources for developing novel antibacterial drugs to address the challenges posed by tropical diseases.

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