Advances in the Ocular Microbiology

Dear Colleagues,

The ocular microbiome represents a dynamic and complex ecosystem composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that inhabit the ocular surface and, in certain conditions, intraocular environments. Despite the eye’s protective anatomical and immunological barriers, it remains continuously exposed to external factors. The delicate balance between resident microorganisms and host defenses plays a fundamental role in maintaining ocular homeostasis and preventing infection and inflammation. Alterations in this balance may contribute to a wide spectrum of ocular surface disorders and infectious diseases. Particular attention will also be given to the impact of contact lens wear, ocular prostheses, topical medications and eye drops, as well as other medical devices on microbial composition, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and infection risk.

This Special Issue, entitled "Advances in the Ocular Microbiology", aims to provide an updated and comprehensive overview of recent advances in this rapidly evolving field. We welcome contributions that investigate the composition and function of the ocular microbiota, host–microbe interactions, mechanisms of pathogenicity, antimicrobial resistance, and innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Special emphasis will be placed on translational research that effectively connects fundamental microbiological discoveries with clinical practice in ophthalmology, fostering a seamless integration from bench to bedside.

Reviews, original research articles, and short communications addressing these and related topics are warmly invited.

Dr. Davide Borroni
Prof. Dr. Cosimo Mazzotta
Dr. Carlos Rocha-de-Lossada
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the Special Issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.