Extremely low frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) as a promising tool for treatment against multi-drug resistant bacteria

Abstract

Electromagnetic fields of extremely low frequencies are present in all aspects of everyday life which include (electrical transmission and power cables, common household appliances, and communication gadgets) influence various biological processes and their potential effects on bacteria have been a subject of debate. The effect of ELF-EMF on bacterial growth, cellular function, antibiotic susceptibility, and bacterial DNA in addition to the possible uses of ELF-EMF in improving the treatment of infectious diseases, sterilization, and other medical/industrial applications increased interest in studying ELF-EMF. Different studies showed that the effect of ELF-EMFs using short/long term exposure durations can reduce bacterial cell activity, and growth and even induce mutations in bacterial genome, therefore, extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field has attracted attention to be used as a promising alternative or adjuvant in combating multi-drug resistant pathogens. Accordingly, the present review will concentrate on the effects of the waves of electromagnetic field with extremely low frequency on different bacterial organisms to highlight the promising application of ELF-EMF as an alternative/adjuvant against pathogenic bacteria.