Antimicrobial Potential of the Genera Geobacillus and Parageobacillus, as Well as Endolysins Biosynthesized by Their Bacteriophages
Joanna Żebrowska, Małgorzata Witkowska, Anna Struck, Patrycja E. Laszuk, Edyta Raczuk, Małgorzata Ponikowska, Piotr M. Skowron, Agnieszka Żylicz-Stachula
Abstract
In the recent decades, antibiotic resistance has emerged and spread rapidly among clinically relevant pathogens. The natural ability of bacteria to transmit resistance determinants through horizontal gene transfer poses constant challenges to drug development. Natural molecules produced by soil microorganisms continue to be a key source of new antimicrobial agents. In this context, bacteria from the Geobacillus and Parageobacillus genera deserve special attention. Although there is commercial and industrial interest in these microorganisms, the full range of antibacterial compounds biosynthesized by the Geobacillus and Parageobacillus species remains largely unexplored. The aim of this review is to present the strong antimicrobial potential of these bacteria and endolysins produced by their bacteriophages.