Novel Diagnostics to Aid in Early Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a critical global health crisis that undermines the effectiveness of antibiotics, leading to increased medical costs, prolonged hospital stays, and higher mortality rates. As resistant infections become more prevalent, the urgency for early detection and intervention intensifies. Traditional diagnostic methods, which are often slow and labor-intensive, are insufficient to meet the growing demand for rapid and accurate AMR detection. Advancing diagnostic technologies is paramount in addressing this challenge, enabling timely and precise identification of resistant pathogens, which is essential for effective patient management and antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). The World Health Organization has recognized this crisis with the 2023 Antimicrobial Resistance Diagnostic Initiative, emphasizing the role of diagnostics in the global response to AMR along with the challenges that are yet to be overcome.

This Research Topic aims to explore cutting-edge diagnostic technologies that can transform the landscape of AMR detection and management. The focus is on the feasibility of these technologies in clinical settings and their role in informing AMS practices. By evaluating the latest advancements and their practical application, the research seeks to foster innovations that have the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and curb the threat of AMR on a global scale.

The Research Topic will cover the following subtopics:

o Novel Diagnostics for Early Detection of AMR: Discussing advances in susceptibility testing, molecular biology, genomics, and nanotechnology, including but not limited to:

o PCR-based methods

o Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

o CRISPR-based diagnostics

o Biosensors and microfluidics platforms

o Mass spectrometry

o Feasibility of Implementation in Clinical Microbiology Labs: Examining the challenges and considerations for integrating advanced or novel diagnostics into routine practice, such as:

o Cost-effectiveness

o Technical requirements

o Operational logistics

o Regulatory landscape

o Timeliness of results

o Antimicrobial Stewardship, Real-World Use, and Integration: Evaluating the clinical utility and practical integration of novel diagnostics into health systems, including but not limited to:

o Interoperability with electronic health records (EHR) and laboratory information systems (LIS)

o Real-world studies and pilot programs

o Guiding antibiotic use and personalized treatment plans

o Surveillance programs

By addressing these subtopics, the research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current innovations in AMR detection and their potential to improve healthcare outcomes globally. We welcome the following article types: Brief Research Report, Case Report, Clinical Trial, Correction, General Commentary, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods, Opinion, Original Research, Perspective, Policy and Practice Reviews, Study Protocol, , Technology and Code.

Topic Editor Dr. Alisa W. Serio is employed by and holds shares in Paratek Pharmaceuticals. Topic Editor Dr. Lauren N. Hunt is employed by and holds shares in bioMerieux. Topic Editor Dr. Stella Antonara holds shares in Abbott Laboratories and Becton Dickinson and Company. All other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regards to the Research Topic subject.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Antimicrobial Resistance, AMR, Diagnostics, Next-Generation Sequencing, CRISPR

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.