Molecular Mechanisms Governing the Environmental Fate of Bacterial and Viral Pathogens

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce this Special Issue on “Molecular Mechanisms Governing the Environmental Fate of Bacterial and Viral Pathogens”. Understanding how pathogens persist, adapt, and interact within diverse environmental matrices is fundamental to protecting public health and maintaining ecosystem integrity. Once released into the environment (through wastewater discharge, agricultural runoff, or other anthropogenic pathways), bacterial and viral pathogens encounter complex stressors that influence their survival, infectivity, and potential for transmission. Recent advances in molecular biology, genomics, and environmental microbiology are uncovering the intricate mechanisms that underpin pathogen persistence. These include stress response systems, biofilm formation, structural adaptations, and genetic exchanges that enhance resistance to environmental pressures. By integrating molecular insights with environmental processes, researchers can better predict pathogen behavior and develop effective strategies for monitoring and control. This Special Issue invites contributions that explore the molecular, ecological, and evolutionary factors shaping the environmental fate of pathogens. We welcome original research, reviews, and perspectives that advance the understanding of pathogen survival, gene transfer, and inactivation across natural and engineered systems. Together, these studies will contribute to a more comprehensive view of microbial risks and resilience in the environment.

Dr. Justin Greaves
Dr. Samendra Sherchan
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.

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