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Antimicrobial Resistology: A New Approach in the Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Pharmacology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2025 | Viewed by 2478

Special Issue Editor

Laboratory Department, MyMichigan Health Midland Medical Center, College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Saginaw, MI 48602, USA
Interests: antimicrobial resistance

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health challenge, necessitating a comprehensive and coordinated response. In this research topic, we define Antimicrobial Resistology as a novel discipline focused on AMR, emphasizing the importance of characterizing resistance mechanisms, establishing global surveillance networks, and fostering a One Health approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health. This holistic perspective recognizes that resistance can arise from various sources, including agricultural practices, environmental contamination, and healthcare settings, underscoring the need for collaborative strategies across multiple sectors.

The content of this research topic encapsulates the investigation of resistance genes and resistant microorganisms, molecular and phenotypic detection and reporting of resistance, and the development of innovative techniques and approaches to combat resistance. It addresses the rise of multidrug-resistant pathogens, such as carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), Pseudomonas (CRPA), Acinetobacter baumaii (CRAB), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, and ESBL and AmpC producing Enterbacterales.

Additionally, this research topic advocates for incorporating Antimicrobial Resistology into academic curricula for medical, pharmacy, nursing, and laboratory science programs, ensuring that future healthcare professionals are well-equipped to combat AMR effectively. By defining and formalizing Antimicrobial Resistology, we can enhance our understanding of resistance dynamics, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve strategies for managing and mitigating the impact of antimicrobial resistance on public health.

Dr. Ziad Daoud
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • antimicrobial resistance
  • resistology
  • ESBL
  • AmpC
  • carbapenem resistance
  • one health

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 1769 KB  
Article
Antimicrobial Photodynamic Activity of the Zn(II) Phthalocyanine RLP068/Cl Versus Antimicrobial-Resistant Priority Pathogens
by Ilaria Baccani, Sara Cuffari, Francesco Giuliani, Gian Maria Rossolini and Simona Pollini
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(15), 7545; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26157545 - 5 Aug 2025
Viewed by 274
Abstract
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens are significantly reducing available therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for novel and complementary treatment strategies. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising alternative approach that can overcome antimicrobial resistance through a multitarget mechanism [...] Read more.
The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance among pathogens are significantly reducing available therapeutic options, highlighting the urgent need for novel and complementary treatment strategies. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is a promising alternative approach that can overcome antimicrobial resistance through a multitarget mechanism of action, exerting direct bactericidal and fungicidal effects with minimal risk of resistance development. Although aPDT has shown efficacy against a variety of pathogens, data on its activity against large collections of clinical multidrug-resistant strains are still limited. In this study, we assessed the antimicrobial activity of the photosensitizer RLP068/Cl combined with a red light-emitting LED source at 630 nm (Molteni Farmaceutici, Italy) against a large panel of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial strains harboring relevant resistance traits and Candida species. Our results demonstrated the significant microbicidal activity of RLP068/Cl against all of the tested strains regardless of their resistance phenotype, with particularly prominent activity against Gram-positive bacteria (range of bactericidal concentrations 0.05–0.1 µM), which required significantly lower exposure to photosensitizer compared to Candida and Gram-negative species (range 5–20 µM). Overall, these findings support the potential use of RLP068/Cl-mediated aPDT as an effective therapeutic strategy for the management of localized infections caused by MDR organisms, particularly when conventional therapeutic options are limited. Full article
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12 pages, 3618 KB  
Article
Synergistic Effects and Mechanisms of Action of Rutin with Conventional Antibiotics Against Escherichia coli
by Lankun Yi, Yubin Bai, Xu Chen, Weiwei Wang, Chao Zhang, Zixuan Shang, Zhijin Zhang, Jiajing Li, Mingze Cao, Zhen Zhu and Jiyu Zhang
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(24), 13684; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms252413684 - 21 Dec 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1856
Abstract
Rutin is a widely known plant secondary metabolite that exhibits multiple physiological functions. The present study focused on screening for synergistic antibacterial combinations containing rutin, and further explored the mechanisms behind this synergy. In vitro antibacterial test results of rutin showed that the [...] Read more.
Rutin is a widely known plant secondary metabolite that exhibits multiple physiological functions. The present study focused on screening for synergistic antibacterial combinations containing rutin, and further explored the mechanisms behind this synergy. In vitro antibacterial test results of rutin showed that the ranges of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) are 0.125–1 and 0.125–2 mg/mL, respectively. However, rutin and amikacin have a significant synergistic effect, with a fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) range of 0.1875–0.5. The time bactericidal curve proved that the combination of rutin and amikacin inhibited bacterial growth within 8 h. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that a low-dose combination treatment could disrupt the cell membrane of Escherichia coli (E. coli). A comprehensive analysis using alkaline phosphatase (AKP), K+, and a protein leakage assay revealed that co-treatment destroyed the cell membrane of E. coli, resulting in the significant leakage of AKP, intracellular K+, and proteins. Moreover, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and red–green cell ratio analysis indicated severe damage to the E. coli cell membrane following the co-treatment of rutin and amikacin. This study indicates the remarkable potential of strategically selecting antibacterial agents with maximum synergistic effect, which could significantly control antibiotic resistance. Full article
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