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.