Gut Microbiota is an Important Source of Bacteriocins and Their In Situ Expression Can Be Explored for Treatment of Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Bacteriocins are interesting natural antimicrobial peptides that could be deployed quickly to combat certain antimicrobial-resistant bacterial infections. These molecules could be used in conjunction with traditional antibiotics, or even to replace them in some circumstances. To strengthen the concept of "bacteriocinotherapy," we discuss here the benefits associated with production in situ of bacteriocins by commensal bacteria. This on sites production capacity could augment the gut microbiota global resistance plan and provide a backup for bacterial infection treatments.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Bacteriocins; Colonization resistance; Commensal bacteria; Gut microbiota.