Advances in the Epidemiology of Human Infectious Diseases

A special issue of Pathogens (ISSN 2076-0817). This special issue belongs to the section "Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 372

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Dankook University, Cheonan-si 31116, Republic of Korea
Interests: molecular epidemiology; respiratory viruses; clinical virology; biomarker-based diagnostics; inflammatory response and host immunity

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Infectious diseases remain one of the most pressing threats to global health, with emerging and re-emerging pathogens continuing to disrupt healthcare systems, economies, and societies worldwide. The post-COVID-19 era has further highlighted the vulnerability of populations to novel pathogens, the persistent challenge of antimicrobial resistance, and the critical need for resilient public health infrastructures. Climate change, globalization, and increased human–animal interactions are also reshaping the epidemiological landscape, underscoring the urgency of continuous surveillance and preparedness.

Epidemiological research plays a pivotal role in elucidating transmission dynamics, identifying at-risk groups, and assessing both immediate and long-term consequences of infectious diseases. Such evidence provides the foundation for effective prevention strategies, improved diagnostics, and evidence-based health policies.

This Special Issue of Pathogens, titled “Advances in the Epidemiology of Human Infectious Diseases”, welcomes original research, reviews, and meta-analyses addressing the epidemiology of viral, bacterial, and parasitic diseases across diverse populations and regions. Topics of interest include surveillance studies, outbreak investigations, molecular epidemiology, host–pathogen interactions, vaccination, antimicrobial resistance, and the role of public health interventions. Submissions highlighting innovative approaches such as big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and predictive modeling are particularly encouraged.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), this Special Issue aims to advance interdisciplinary knowledge and strengthen global strategies for infectious disease prevention, response, and preparedness.

Prof. Dr. Jae Kyung Kim
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • human infectious diseases
  • surveillance
  • outbreak investigation
  • antimicrobial resistance
  • public health
  • molecular epidemiology
  • re-emerging pathogens
  • sustainable development goals (SDGs)

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

22 pages, 438 KB  
Article
Antimicrobial Resistance in Urinary Tract Infections Among Patients with and Without Renal Comorbidities: A Retrospective Study from Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
by Shazia Shaheen Mir, Eman Ali, Samiyah Ahmad Abdullah Alghamdi, Nora Mohamed Alghamdi, Raed A. Alharbi, Abdulmajeed A. A. Sindi and Ali A. Zaeri
Pathogens 2025, 14(12), 1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/pathogens14121297 - 17 Dec 2025
Viewed by 262
Abstract
Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with increasing antimicrobial resistance posing a significant public health challenge. This study aimed to determine the demographic distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogens, and the clinical implications of UTIs in patients with [...] Read more.
Urinary tract infections are among the most common bacterial infections worldwide, with increasing antimicrobial resistance posing a significant public health challenge. This study aimed to determine the demographic distribution, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of uropathogens, and the clinical implications of UTIs in patients with renal comorbidities in the Al-Baha region of Saudi Arabia. A retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted at King Fahad Hospital, Al-Baha, from January 2021 to September 2022. A total of 1126 culture-positive UTI cases were included. Patient demographics, uropathogen distribution, antimicrobial resistance profiles, and clinical characteristics were extracted from hospital records. Subgroup analysis was performed for 32 patients with renal comorbidities, including end-stage renal disease (ESRD), glomerulonephritis (GN), and kidney transplant recipients (KTs). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. Most cases occurred in patients aged >70 years (43.2%) and females (68.29%). Escherichia coli (38.09%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.02%) were the leading pathogens. High resistance to ampicillin (47–67%), cotrimoxazole (35–37%), and third-generation cephalosporins (34–47%) was observed, whereas carbapenems and aminoglycosides remained largely effective. Among the 32 patients with renal comorbidities, E. coli (43.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (25%), and Enterococcus spp. (18.8%) were the most common isolates. Dysuria (46.87%) and fever (31.25%) were the most frequent clinical presentations. Treatment regimens in this subgroup often required multidrug combinations, reflecting higher resistance burdens. Uropathogens in the Al-Baha region shows rising resistance to first-line antibiotics, with vulnerable populations such as patients with renal comorbidities experiencing distinct pathogen distributions and treatment challenges. Continuous surveillance, prudent antibiotic use, and targeted strategies for high-risk patients are essential to mitigate the impact of multidrug-resistant UTIs in Saudi Arabia. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Epidemiology of Human Infectious Diseases)
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