Drug-microbiome-host interactions: antimicrobial effects of non-antibiotic compounds.

Non-antibiotic compounds, including pharmaceuticals and chemicals, exhibit antimicrobial effects that often target beneficial bacteria more than pathogenic ones, impacting microbiome balance.

• Why it matters: Understanding these effects is crucial because non-antibiotic substances are widespread and can disrupt microbiomes, promoting resistance and influencing health beyond infectious diseases.
• What they did: The review synthesizes recent findings on the molecular mechanisms behind non-antibiotic antimicrobial activity and explores factors that influence their effectiveness, based on current research.
• The result: These insights inform clinical practices and highlight the need to consider non-antibiotic compounds' microbiome impacts, guiding safer use and development of therapeutics.