Molecular Epidemiology and Pathogenesis of Critical Gram-Negative Pathogens

Dear Colleagues,

Critical Gram-negative pathogens remain among the most urgent global public health threats due to their increasing multidrug resistance, remarkable adaptability, and ability to cause severe healthcare-associated infections. Organisms such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and other clinically significant Gram-negative bacteria continue to evolve through the acquisition of resistance determinants, virulence factors, and mobile genetic elements, thereby complicating treatment strategies and infection control efforts worldwide. Recent advances in molecular biology, genomics, transcriptomics, structural biology, and bioinformatics have significantly improved our understanding of the epidemiology, pathogenic mechanisms, and resistance evolution of these critical pathogens. At the same time, the emergence of carbapenem resistance, biofilm-associated persistence, hypervirulent strains, and resistance to last-resort antibiotics has highlighted the urgent need for innovative therapeutic and diagnostic approaches. This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive platform for original research articles, reviews, and communications focusing on the molecular epidemiology, pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, host–pathogen interactions, and emerging therapeutic strategies related to critical Gram-negative pathogens.

Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

• Molecular epidemiology and genomic surveillance;
• Antimicrobial resistance mechanisms and resistance evolution;
• Carbapenemases and emerging β-lactam resistance;
• Virulence factors and pathogenicity;
• Biofilm formation and persistence;
• Host–pathogen interactions;
• Structural and functional analysis of resistance-associated proteins;
• Novel antimicrobial agents and therapeutic strategies;
• Phage therapy and alternative therapeutics;
• Diagnostic and molecular detection approaches;
• One Health perspectives on Gram-negative pathogen dissemination.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Zakuan Zainy Deris
Guest Editor

Dr. Mohd Zulkifli Salleh
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

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