Bacterial Pathogens

Bacteria are ubiquitous in nature, with only a fraction able to cause infection and disease in plants, animals, or humans. But what defines a pathogen? Bacterial species dominate the microbial world, existing in a wide range of environments, from soil, aquatic, or extreme habitats to animal and arthropod hosts. When present in the microbiome, bacteria provide essential metabolites, compete with other microbes, communicate with the immune system, and promote health. Yet, virtually any bacterial species has the capacity to exist as a pathogen and associate with disease.

Research on bacterial pathogenesis aims to unravel the molecular and cellular mechanisms that induce or enable a disease state. This includes the study of toxins, secreted proteins, enzymes, surface proteins, and biofilms that help bacteria adhere to and invade host tissues, as well as subvert inflammation and immune cell function. The Bacterial Pathogens Section welcomes all submissions exploring the interactions between bacteria, their hosts, and the environment that culminate in infection or immunity. We especially welcome original or review articles that investigate the molecular and cellular interactions that drive virulence and evasion of immunity or explore the evolution of virulence and multi-drug resistance and the factors that lead to emerging and re-emerging outbreaks of bacterial diseases. We also welcome investigations into vaccines and treatments against bacterial diseases and attempts at understanding the prevalence of pathogens and drug resistance in the environment.