Molecular Detection and Characterization of Multidrug Resistance in Staphylococci

Dear Colleagues,

Staphylococci are a group of Gram-positive cocci belonging to the family Staphylococcaceae. This genus includes both coagulase-positive—most notably Staphylococcus aureus—and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), which comprise over 45 recognized species. While some staphylococcal species are commensal organisms residing harmlessly on human and animal skin and mucosal surfaces, others are major opportunistic or pathogenic threats with a formidable capacity to develop resistance to multiple antibiotic classes.

The emergence and evolution of antibiotic resistance among staphylococci represent a major global public health challenge. S. aureus, in particular, has demonstrated remarkable adaptability, with penicillin resistance appearing as early as 1942, followed by the emergence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) shortly after methicillin’s clinical introduction in 1959. Since then, multiple pandemic waves of MRSA have been reported, driven by the global dissemination of specific clones possessing distinct genetic backgrounds. These strains frequently carry resistance determinants against not only β-lactams but also a wide range of other antibiotics, resulting in multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes.

Similarly, CoNS, once considered clinically insignificant, have gained attention as important nosocomial pathogens and reservoirs for antimicrobial resistance genes. Their role in horizontal gene transfer, biofilm formation, and the genetic evolution of more virulent staphylococcal strains—such as MRSA—highlights the need for continued surveillance and molecular characterization.

For this Special Issue, we invite the submission of original research articles, reviews, and short communications that address recent advances in the molecular detection and characterization of multidrug resistance in staphylococci. Contributions exploring staphyloccal resistance from clinical, animal, and environmental perspectives and presenting innovative methodologies and impactful findings are welcome. These may focus on, but are not limited to, the following areas:

• The molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus spp.;
• Novel molecular detection tools and diagnostic approaches;
• Epidemiological studies and resistance surveillance in clinical, veterinary, and environmental settings;
• Whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics approaches in resistance gene tracking;
• Mobile genetic elements and horizontal gene transfer;
• Resistance in CoNS and their role in MRSA’s evolution;
• The interplay between virulence and resistance and its impact on treatment outcomes;
• Antimicrobial stewardship and resistance containment strategies.

We look forward to receiving your valuable contributions, which will help to advance the understanding and management of multidrug resistance in Staphylococcus species.

Prof. Dr. Kunyan Zhang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• staphylococcal species (Staphylococcus spp.)
• staphylococci
• Staphylococcus aureus
• methicillin-susceptive S. aureus (MSSA)
• methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)
• coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS)
• antibiotic resistance
• multidrug-resistant (MDR)
• molecular evolution, epidemiology, characterization, and pathogenicity of staphylococci
• antimicrobial stewardship
• infection prevention and control