Antimicrobial treatment without antimicrobial resistance: anti-evolution countermeasures

Central to the antimicrobial resistance crisis is a core problem: antimicrobials are valuable drugs because they directly attack pathogens but in doing so, they drive the evolution of drug resistant microbes. I contend that strong evolutionary theory, bounded by an understanding of clinical realities, can enable the rational discovery of treatment regimens—ways to use existing antimicrobials—that can slow or even reverse the evolution of antimicrobial resistance. I will focus on anti-evolution drugs and anti-evolution drug treatment regimens. Discovering sustainable ways to use existing antibiotics could reduce or even negate the need for open-ended and immensely expensive antimicrobial drug discovery treadmill.

The seminar will be hosted using Zoom. A Google calendar invite featuring the Zoom link will be sent to Biology staff and students before the seminar date. For all enquiries please contact Biology DMT Hub.