1 Introduction
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a worldwide prevalent superbug, usually causes immune injuries[1]. These immune injuries are attributed to the interaction between the host’s immune responses and MRSA immune evasion[2]. Conventional drugs, such as antibiotics, optimized antibiotics and vaccines, are currently used to treat injuries. Since the emergence of resistant strains and immune evasion, the efficacy of antibiotics has decreased and their adverse effects limit their use [3, 4]. Optimized antibiotics are new favorite in drug research due to their superior potency, efficacy, and specificity. However, high production costs hinder its extensive use. Vaccine development often suffers from challenges in technique, cost, and other difficulties. It is therefore a burning issue to improve treatment methods for MRSA immune injuries.
Traditional medicine (TM) is used to treat bacterial infection and immune injuries, because it not only inhibits and kills bacteria, but also relieves immune injuries, partly overcomes drug resistance, and alleviates the adverse effects caused by conventional therapies[5-8]. Studies have shown that TM enhances host immunity. For example, it activates Peyer’s batches and regulates neutrophil phagocytosis [9-11]. A study has suggested that herbal formulae combined with antibiotics exert better bacteriostatic efficacy than antibiotic use alone[12].
This study aims to review the efficacies and corresponding mechanisms of both conventional drugs and TM in combating MRSA, and to explore the potential of their combination. Additionally, the research ideas and methods on the combination medication are discussed. This review will lay a foundation for the development of a new strategy to treat MRSA infection.