The race to find new antibiotics as resistance threatens global health

Antibiotics have saved countless lives since their first discovery in the early 20th century. These compounds, naturally produced by microorganisms, have been key in fighting infectious diseases. Scientists continue to search for new ones to combat growing resistance. In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin, the first antibiotic. This breakthrough revealed that bacteria and fungi produce such compounds to compete with other microbes in their environment. These natural antibiotics help maintain balance within microbial communities.

Microorganisms like Streptomyces synthesise antibiotics through complex biochemical pathways. This bacterium alone produces many well-known antibiotics, including tetracycline and erythromycin. Humans have long used these antimicrobial properties to treat infections.

Today, researchers are exploring soil microbiomes and other environments for new antibiotics. The need for discovery remains urgent as resistance to existing treatments grows. Natural antibiotics originate from microbial competition and ecological interactions. Their role in medicine has been transformative, but the search for new compounds is more critical than ever. This ongoing effort aims to address the challenge of antibiotic resistance.