Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in the Battle Against Antimicrobial-Resistant Infections

The escalating threat of antimicrobial-resistant infections presents a significant challenge to global healthcare systems. This chapter delves into the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) as critical tools in addressing this crisis. It emphasizes AI’s utility in discovering novel antimicrobial agents, particularly its capability to predict resistance patterns and unearth new therapeutic compounds. The chapter also examines the use of ML in forecasting antibiotic resistance, assessing the accuracy and dependability of ML models that utilize genomic data to predict emerging resistance trends. This predictive ability is crucial for proactively managing resistance challenges. A key emphasis is placed on AI’s role in personalized medicine and antibiotic stewardship, exploring AI-driven strategies for devising personalized treatment plans and optimizing antibiotic usage. Furthermore, the chapter integrates a discussion on predicting the origin of antimicrobial resistance genes in various environments to understand and mitigate the global spread of antimicrobial resistance. Lastly, the chapter acknowledges existing limitations and outlines potential future advancements, underscoring the ongoing need for research and innovation in AI and ML to combat antibiotic-resistant infections effectively.