Unconventional Reservoirs of Antibacterial Compounds from Insects, Snails, and Earthworms

Abstract

The rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance poses a significant global health challenge, thereby limiting the efficacy of conventional antibiotics and increasing the burden of infectious diseases. This review focuses on unconventional biological sources, including insects, snails, and earthworms, as potential reservoirs of novel antimicrobial agents. Bacterial resistance modes of action, such as enzymatic drug inactivation, target modification, efflux pump activation, and biofilm formation, contribute to persistent infections and treatment failure. Biofilm formation, in particular, enhances the survival of microorganisms and resistance to host immune responses and antimicrobial agents. Insects produce antimicrobial peptides that are small cationic molecules which has broad spectrum activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Similarly, bioactive compounds from insects, snails and earthworms, including glycoproteins, lysenin, and lumbrokinase, exhibit antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing activities. These natural compounds demonstrate low toxicity and reduced likelihood of developing resistance compared to conventional antibiotics. The review highlights the therapeutic potential of these macroorganisms as alternative sources for drug development. However, challenges such as limited clinical validation, standardization, and large-scale production need to be addressed. Further research into their mechanisms of action and biotechnological applications is essential for developing effective strategies to combat multidrug-resistant pathogens.