Lichen-Associated Endophytes

The overuse and misuse of antibiotics have significantly contributed to the rising incidence of antibiotic resistance (AMR), which has now become a chronic global public health issue . Antibiotic resistance occurs when viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites fail to respond to antimicrobial treatments in humans and animals, thereby allowing these microorganisms to survive within the host. These microorganisms possess the remarkable ability to rapidly adapt to environmental changes through mechanisms such as mutation and lateral gene transfer. This not only exacerbates antibiotic resistance but also, due to the widespread use of antibiotics, exerts strong selective pressure on microbial communities, thereby accelerating the evolution of resistance. Consequently, the search for antimicrobial-active strains and novel structural compounds holds significant promise for the discovery and development of new antibiotics.