EDITORIAL article
Front. Cell. Infect. Microbiol.
Sec. Clinical Infectious Diseases
Volume 15 - 2025 | doi: 10.3389/fcimb.2025.1633941
This article is part of the Research TopicTargeted Next-Generation Sequencing for Pathogen and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Identification and ProfilingView all 14 articles
Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing for Pathogen and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Identification and Profiling
Provisionally accepted
- 1Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- 2Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, Malaysia
- 3CSIR - Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India
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The global threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) demands innovative and precise diagnostic strategies that can keep pace with evolving pathogens. Among such approaches, targeted next-generation sequencing (NGS) has emerged as a transformative tool in infectious disease diagnostics, offering unprecedented resolution in pathogen identification and resistance gene profiling. This special issue of Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology brings together pioneering studies that showcase the clinical, genomic, and translational power of targeted NGS across diverse infectious contexts. Together, these contributions highlight how targeted NGS is reshaping the landscape of infectious disease research and clinical practice. By merging genomic data with clinical insights, researchers are illuminating pathways of resistance evolution, uncovering novel diagnostic biomarkers, and informing personalized treatment strategies.As the field matures, integrating NGS into routine clinical workflows will be essential for enhancing antimicrobial stewardship, improving outcomes, and safeguarding public health against emerging microbial threats. We extend our sincere thanks to the contributing authors, peer reviewers, and editorial team for their dedication to advancing the science and application of targeted NGS. The studies presented in this issue not only deepen our understanding of pathogen biology and AMR but also pave the way for the next generation of precision diagnostics and evidence-based interventions.Keywords: Next-generation sequencing, Antimicrobial Resistance, Pathogen Genomics, Zoonotic Transmission, Targeted TherapyThe studies compiled in this special issue collectively demonstrate the transformative impact of targeted NGS in infectious disease diagnostics, surveillance, and management.From improving diagnostic sensitivity in complex pulmonary infections and stratifying pneumonia phenotypes to tracing AMR evolution in hospital outbreaks and characterizing high-risk pathogens in vulnerable populations, NGS has proven to be a critical tool in our fight against microbial threats. Importantly, these investigations illustrate how integrating genomic data with clinical and phenotypic insights can not only enhance patient care but also inform public health strategies and antimicrobial stewardship. As antimicrobial resistance continues to escalate and pathogen behaviour becomes more unpredictable, the implementation of targeted NGS into routine clinical workflows is no longer optionalit is essential. We hope this collection of cutting-edge research will inspire further innovation, collaboration, and adoption of genomic technologies to improve diagnostic precision, optimize therapy, and ultimately protect global health.
Keywords: Next-generation sequencing, antimicrobial resistance, pathogen genomics, Zoonotic transmission, targeted therapy
Received: 23 May 2025; Accepted: 16 Jun 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 PATIL, Wen, Hanafiah and Halami. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: SANDIP PATIL, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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