Epidemiology and Genomics of Antimicrobial Resistance of Difficult-to-Treat Pathogens

Dear Colleagues,

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, particularly with difficult-to-treat pathogens resistant to multiple or all available antibiotics. A multidisciplinary approach combining surveillance, molecular studies, and public health interventions is essential to combat this growing challenge. Epidemiology and genomics play crucial roles in understanding the spread, evolution, and mechanisms of AMR in these pathogens. Epidemiological studies can help to track the incidence, prevalence, and transmission dynamics of multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDRos) across different countries. They provide insights into risk factors, reservoirs, and the impact of antimicrobial stewardship policies. Genomics, on the other hand, allows for a deeper understanding of the genetic determinants of resistance, including mutations, horizontal gene transfer, and mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and metagenomics have revolutionized AMR research, enabling the identification of resistance genes, the tracking of outbreaks, and the characterization of pathogen evolution. Integrating epidemiological data with genomic analyses enhances our ability to predict resistance trends, develop rapid diagnostic tools, and inform targeted interventions.

This Special Issue welcomes the submission of manuscripts that further explore the epidemiology and genomics of AMR in difficult-to-treat pathogens, focusing on key bacterial species and resistance mechanisms.

Dr. Simone Ambretti
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.