Francisella spp. - Phylogeny, Genomics, Transmission, Pathogenesis, Host-Pathogen Interaction, Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment

Francisella species are facultative intracellular pathogens that belongs to the class of Gram-negative bacteria. Francisella tularensis, the most commonly studied pathogen of the genus is responsible for a zoonotic disease called tularemia. The disease is also known widely as rabbit fever as animals such as rabbits, hares, rodents are particularly susceptible to infection. The disease is generally transmitted to the human hosts through the bites of infected ticks and targets skin, lungs, eyes and lymph nodes of the host. The primary entry point for the pathogen are host macrophages through phagocytosis which upon gaining entry to the cytoplasm leads to cellular apoptosis and further spread within the host. Other known pathogens of this genus are F. novicida and F. philomiragia that are commonly associated with widespread systemic infections.

There are continuous and ongoing efforts in understanding the structural features and mode of action of these pathogens vital in driving scientific discovery towards prevention and treatment strategies against these infections. Through this research topic, we aim to explore the scientific gaps associated with our understanding of Francisella spp. and its importance to design better drug and treatment modalities.

The current Research Topic aims to highlight the latest scientific findings on these pathogens in the following areas:

1. Mode of transmission to humans (e.g. zoonosis, arthropods, environmental reservoirs).
2. Pathogenesis and host-pathogen interactions.
3. Antimicrobial activity and resistance mechanisms.
4. Diagnostics and detection.
5. Innate and adaptive immune responses.
6. Prevention strategies to stem the infection (e.g. vaccines).
7. Treatment strategies against the infection (e.g. therapeutics).
8. Clinical case reports with identified causes and unusual presentations.
9. Genomic and phylogenetic-based studies.