Antimicrobial Strategies to Limit Infection and Inflammation of Mucosal Surfaces

Dear Colleagues,

The mucosal surfaces of the body contain a diverse range of microbes which help to form a protective microbiome. This microbiome can be disrupted by the use of antibiotics, among other factors. This disruption can lead to overgrowth of the mucosal surface by potential pathogens and the development of inflammation and infection. These potential pathogens can also be resistant to antibiotics, and so their elimination and re-establishment of the normal microbiome can be difficult. Additionally, if the mucosal surfaces are damaged, this can present new surfaces for potential pathogens to colonize, even without any disruption to the normal microbiome. The use of medical devices such as contact lenses, hearing aids, catheters and sanitary devices may also present new surfaces that can be colonized by potential pathogens.

This Special Issue seeks papers on the non-gastrointestinal-tract mucosal surfaces of humans—that is the eyes, ears, respiratory tract and urogenital systems. Papers on the normal microbiome of these mucosal surfaces and the consequences of antimicrobials (antibiotics, disinfectants, phages etc.) and medical devices on the normal microbiome of these mucosal surfaces are welcome. We also encourage the submission of papers describing the development of new therapeutics to prevent or treat diseases of these systems, as well as clinical trials, observational studies, case series reports, laboratory studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses that provide new insights into these systems. Data on the effects of antimicrobial resistance on clinical outcomes are also encouraged

Prof. Dr. Mark Willcox
Dr. Debarun Dutta
Prof. Dr. Fiona Stapleton
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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