Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, stop responding to antimicrobial medicines, making infections and other illnesses rather difficult to treat. AMR poses a significant challenge to global health that threatens the very essence of the standard equitable treatment of microbes, hence causing extended durations of illnesses, more expenses in healthcare, and higher mortality rates. This research investigates how effective alternative therapies like phage therapy, immunotherapies, and probiotics are in fighting AMR infections versus mainstream antibiotic treatments. Additionally, this research aims to conduct a comprehensive literature review using existing data and previous studies to point out weaknesses in current care methods. This can be used to assess the effectiveness of alternative therapies through the development of a theoretical framework. Prior findings suggest alternative therapies show a promising ability that can target resistant infections, overcoming the challenges associated with traditional treatments. Furthermore, this research also examines factors that contribute to the spread of AMR, including inadequate infection control and antibiotic misuse. The findings from this study will provide significant public health implications, giving policymakers and healthcare providers crucial insight into improving infection control practices as well as promoting effective antibiotic use. Through the findings of this study, there could be an expansion of possible, more efficient treatments that may contribute to the global effort in curbing AMR and ensuring antimicrobial resistance can stop posing as a significant threat worldwide. Essay submission was sponsored by RIO (Research and Innovation Office), and was presented at the Coquitlam campus on April 8, 2025, for Student Research Days 2025.
