Genetics and Antimicrobial Resistance in Pathogens of Hospital Importance

Dear Colleagues,

The emergence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is becoming an increasingly serious threat to global public health, representing one of the greatest concerns of the World Health Organization (WHO). The clonal spread of resistant microorganisms between geographically distant regions has driven the increase in antibiotic resistance in recent years. Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are directly associated with the emergence of MDROs, a fact resulting from the exposure of patients to pathogenic microorganisms, the indiscriminate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, and submission to invasive procedures. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs naturally over time through genetic mutations and exchanges, although these genetic events usually take place at low frequencies. However, the process of AMR emergence, dissemination, and persistence among bacteria has been accelerated due to the overuse or misuse of antimicrobials in the hospital settings. These resistance mechanisms have found a favorable environment in the modern hospital, a place with a high population of sensitive patients, intense pressure from the use of antibiotics that favors natural selection for resistance, and multiple opportunities for transmission. These organisms can spread through the care network, causing serious diseases and reducing therapeutic options. In this regard, The ESKAPEE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter species, and Escherichia coli) are listed as organisms of critical importance due to their MDR nature, consequently requiring the urgent development of new antibiotics. This Special Issue seeks manuscript submissions that further our understanding of basic and clinical research about genetics and antimicrobial resistance in the pathogens of hospital importance.

Prof. Dr. Maria de Lourdes R.S. Cunha
Guest Editor

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