Infectious diseases remain the leading cause of death worldwide, with approximately 10 billion fatalities, accounting for 25% of all major deaths annually. This is largely attributed to the increasing number of infections in hospitals, particularly among patients who are vulnerable due to pre-existing conditions or injuries. Recently, there has been a significant increase in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, which are responsible for severe healthcare-associated infections in hospital settings. The development of resistance to antibiotics such as aminoglycosides, β-lactams, and methicillin has posed significant risks to human health, as treating infections caused by these resistant strains becomes increasingly difficult. Initially, vancomycin was used to address methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; however, the emergence of vancomycin-resistant S. aureus in hospitals has complicated treatment options. In addition, bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae have attracted increasing concern due to their status as dangerous pathogens. The rise of penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae also presents a serious challenge, especially for immunocompromised or elderly individuals. The increasing emergence of resistant strains has made the development of new antibiotics increasingly difficult. Actinomycetes, especially Streptomyces species, continue to be a rich source of new antimicrobial agents, with over two-thirds of the most commonly used antibiotics derived from actinomycetes. Streptomyces possesses remarkable biosynthetic capabilities that allow it to produce antibiotics, which face minimal competition from other microbial genera. This review examines the rise of multidrug-resistant bacteria and the potential for controlling these infections using effective antimicrobial agents derived from rare actinomycetes. In conclusion, the pursuit of novel antibiotics remains a central goal in many research efforts, making the exploration of new habitats for antibiotic discovery a critical priority.
