Zoonotic Bacterial Pathogens: Infection and Host Interaction

Zoonotic diseases, also known as zoonoses, bridge the gap between animal and human health, marking a prominent area of concern for global public health. Infections caused by bacterial pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli contribute significantly to human morbidity, encompassing over 60% of infectious diseases in humans. These pathogens not only lead to severe health repercussions but also impose heavy economic costs stemming from healthcare expenditures and loss of productivity. Despite the strides made in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment, substantial knowledge gaps persist, particularly concerning the specifics of pathogen transmissions between species and how pathogens adapt from environmental existence to becoming infectious agents in hosts. These gaps necessitate a deeper understanding of changes in pathogenic virulence and resistance as well as the molecular bases of host-pathogen interaction during adhesion, invasion, and immune evasion phases.

This Research Topic aims to shed light on the intricate regulatory networks and virulent behaviors of zoonotic bacterial pathogens. It focuses on the critical phases of pathogen transition from environmental existence to active infection within hosts, with the goal of revealing new mechanisms involved in immune evasion and modification of host responses. Such insights are indispensable for the formulation of effective vaccines and therapeutic strategies tailored to combat these pathogens.

To further our understanding in this research area, we welcome contributions in the form of Original Research articles and Reviews that delve into various aspects of zoonotic bacterial pathogen biology. Specific themes of interest include:
-Molecular and biological functions of established and novel virulence factors
-Molecular mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions during infection
-Strategies of bacterial immune evasion and modulation of host immune responses
-Identification, development, and assessment of vaccines and antimicrobial agents
-Molecular mechanisms of pathogen cross-species transmission
-Specific mechanisms of transmission between humans and animals, epidemiological characteristics, or new discoveries of pathogens
-Changes in virulence and drug resistance during the transmission process
-Identification, development, and study of antimicrobial agents