Bacterial Pathogens—Strategies for Dissemination, Infection, and Persistence Within a Host

Dear Colleagues,

Understanding the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens disseminate, establish infection, and persist within their hosts remains a critical frontier in microbiology and infectious disease research. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapies and preventive measures, bacterial infections continue to pose significant global health challenges, exacerbated by rising antibiotic resistance and evolving pathogen virulence. This Research Topic invites scientists to delve into the multifaceted strategies that bacterial pathogens employ to evade host defenses, adapt to diverse host environments, and ensure their survival and persistence.

This Research Topic aims to provide a comprehensive platform for exploring the diverse strategies of bacterial pathogens, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration among microbiologists, immunologists, clinical researchers, and bioinformaticians. We welcome contributions that address key questions, including but not limited to:

How do bacterial pathogens optimize their dissemination and colonization strategies in different hosts?

What are the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying host-pathogen interactions during acute and chronic infections?

In what ways do pathogens exploit or manipulate host immunity to ensure persistence?

How does the host microbiota influence pathogen invasion and survival?

What innovative approaches can elucidate the complexities of bacterial pathogenesis and inform the development of new therapeutics?

Submissions may encompass original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that enhance our understanding of bacterial pathogenesis and pave the way for innovative therapeutic interventions. Studies employing advanced techniques, such as single-cell analysis, systems biology, and high-throughput screening, are encouraged.

By shedding light on the intricate and often ingenious strategies of bacterial pathogens, this Research Topic seeks to inspire groundbreaking research and foster solutions to some of the most pressing challenges in infectious disease management. We believe that unraveling these mysteries will not only advance our knowledge of bacterial biology but also inform the development of targeted interventions to combat bacterial infections more effectively.

Dr. Ryan O. M. Rego
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pathogens 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 2200 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.