Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications

Atiqur Rahman Khan; Sadiya Rehman Khan; Mohd Irshad Khan

doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

Eu J Microbiol Infect Dis. 2025; 2(3): 113-131

doi: 10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications

Atiqur Rahman Khan, Sadiya Rehman Khan, Mohd Irshad Khan.

Cited By:1

Abstract
ABSTRACT
This review evaluates the emergence, resistance mechanisms, and global impact of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens. It analyzes major resistance trends, clinical implications, and current containment strategies through a systematic review of literature between 2020 and 2025 from Scopus, Pub Med, and Web of Science.
Key mechanisms identified include genetic mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and efflux pump overexpression. MDR prevalence and impact were assessed using WHO data and meta-analyses. A significant rise in MDR organisms such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, multidrug-resistant E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and A. baumannii was observed. These pathogens show resistance via β-lactamase production, plasmid transfer, and efflux pumps. MDR infections cause 1.27 million deaths annually, with LMICs bearing 70% of the burden and global healthcare costs exceeding $55 billion.
The misuse of antibiotics in healthcare and agriculture accelerates resistance. Promising responses include stewardship programs, phage therapy, CRISPR-based methods, and global policy initiatives. Urgent, coordinated action is required to strengthen surveillance, optimize antibiotic use, and develop innovative therapies.

Key words: Keywords: Multidrug resistance; Global health; Antibiotic resistance mechanisms; Antimicrobial Stewardship;

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How to Cite this Article

Pubmed Style

Khan AR, Khan SR, Khan MI. Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications. Eu J Microbiol Infect Dis. 2025; 2(3): 113-131. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

Web Style

Khan AR, Khan SR, Khan MI. Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications. https://www.wisdomgale.com/ejmid/?mno=257955 [Access: June 07, 2026]. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Khan AR, Khan SR, Khan MI. Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications. Eu J Microbiol Infect Dis. 2025; 2(3): 113-131. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Khan AR, Khan SR, Khan MI. Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications. Eu J Microbiol Infect Dis. (2025), [cited June 07, 2026]; 2(3): 113-131. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

Harvard Style

Khan, A. R., Khan, . S. R. & Khan, . M. I. (2025) Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications. Eu J Microbiol Infect Dis, 2 (3), 113-131. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

Turabian Style

Khan, Atiqur Rahman, Sadiya Rehman Khan, and Mohd Irshad Khan. 2025. Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications. European Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2 (3), 113-131. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

Chicago Style

Khan, Atiqur Rahman, Sadiya Rehman Khan, and Mohd Irshad Khan. "Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications." European Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2 (2025), 113-131. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Khan, Atiqur Rahman, Sadiya Rehman Khan, and Mohd Irshad Khan. "Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications." European Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases 2.3 (2025), 113-131. Print. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221

APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Khan, A. R., Khan, . S. R. & Khan, . M. I. (2025) Global Emergence of Multidrug-resistant Bacteria: Mechanisms, Challenges, and Public Health Implications. European Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 2 (3), 113-131. doi:10.5455/EJMID.20250513111221