Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria

Dear Colleagues,

Antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria poses a significant challenge in clinical settings, leading to increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide. These pathogens, notorious for their robust defense mechanisms and ability to rapidly disseminate resistance genes, are at the forefront of the antibiotic resistance crisis. This Special Issue aims to focus on unravelling the complex molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, offering a critical insight into the battle between modern medicine and bacterial evolution, with a particular focus on new antibiotics to fight MDR-GN bacteria, especially against Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

The articles published in this Special Issue should collectively address various strategies employed by Gram-negative bacteria to counteract antibiotics, such as the upregulation of efflux pumps, modification of drug targets, and acquisition of resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer. Special attention should be given to the role of mobile genetic elements like plasmids and integrons in the spread of resistance traits, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this global health threat.

Advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies have enabled a deeper understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms, facilitating the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. This Special Issue aims to highlight several innovative approaches to overcoming resistance, including the development of new antibiotics that bypass known resistance mechanisms, the strategic use of combination therapies to reduce the selection pressure for resistant strains, and exploring alternative treatments such as bacteriophage therapy.

In summarizing the current state of research, this Special Issue aims to not only shed light on the molecular intricacies of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria but also chart a course for future investigations. We hope to underscore the urgency of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to develop effective strategies against this ever-evolving threat, stressing the importance of global collaboration in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Andrea Marino
Guest Editor

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• MDR bacteria
• antibiotic resistance
• difficult-to-treat bacteria
• efflux pumps
• plasmids
• beta-lactamases