Shikha Gaikwad

By Pankti Dhumal, Srashti Bajpai, Nachiket Garge, Agrima Bhatt, Fatema Rampurwala, Nishat Sulaimani, Shikha Gaikwad, Utpal Roy, Manasi Mishra and Rehan Deshmukh

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a major threat to human, animal, and environment health in the developed as well as the developing nations. The usage of antibiotics outside of the prescribed parameters in both the healthcare and livestock sectors is directly tied to this resistance event. Additionally, several Escherichia coli strains harbor the AMR genes, which can be transferred to humans leading to public health problems. Depending on the type of antibiotics used, E. coli has evolved to prowess several resistance mechanisms. Resistance genes that are horizontally transmissible also encode this resistance mechanism. Different resistance genes for each class of antibiotics are encoded by resistant E. coli. In conclusion, the current chapter ushers light on the molecular evolution of resistance and the regulatory genes contributing to the development of MDR in E. coli. Moreover, we have also discussed about the inappropriate practices of prescribing the antibiotics leading to intensifying the MDR in bacteria envisaging the implementation of rigorous guidelines for proper use of antibiotics in human beings.

Part of the book: Antimicrobial Stewardship

By Shikha Gaikwad

Pests are the major concern for plant infections that affect the agriculture production drastically and result in the loss of economy. Regular use of synthetic chemicals develops resistance in pests and affects soil, plant, and human health. The development and promotion of green technology facilitated by microbiota helps in maintaining a healthy environment. Molecules of microbial origin are well-known elicitors for stimulating and sustaining the plant immune system and fertility level of the soil. They compete with the pathogens for resources like food and space, activate the inherent defenses of plants, synthesize antimicrobial chemicals, or other metabolites that degrade and remediate synthetic chemicals. Biosurfactant (BS) is an important amphiphilic molecule with polar and non-polar. Its structure contributes to its high biodegradability, low toxicity, and stability in harsh environments. In the chapter, the multifunctional properties of biosurfactants, methods used for evaluating their biosurfactant producing abilities, methods used for identification, and characterization of the chemical structure of biosurfactants, along with the significance of metagenomics documented. The mechanisms of biosurfactants in controlling the growth of pests and their importance as pesticide remediations are also discussed.

Part of the book: Insecticides