Beyond First-Line Defence: Addressing Fluoroquinolone Resistance

Fluoroquinolones have been pivotal in the fight against bacterial infections, but their extensive use has led to an escalation in resistance among key pathogens. This Research Topic investigates the progression of fluoroquinolone resistance primarily through the lens of its historical development and genetic underpinnings. The frequent prescription of these antibiotics has facilitated the spread of highly resistant bacterial strains, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant (MDR) Clostridioides difficile, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms like Klebsiella pneumoniae and E. coli. These dynamics pose significant challenges for treatment and control.

The goal of this Research Topic is to compile a comprehensive review of the mechanisms behind the emergence of fluoroquinolone resistance and its impact on global health. It aims to uncover the key genetic mutations that confer resistance, assess how these alterations affect bacterial fitness and adaptability, and explore the resultant shifts in epidemiology. Understanding these factors is critical for developing effective intervention strategies and guiding future research efforts.

To further explore this pressing issue, we seek to define the scope of research through the following aspects:

o The historical timeline and pivotal moments in the development of fluoroquinolone resistance.

o Exploration of resistance mechanisms at the genetic level and their biological consequences.

o Evaluating the impact of fluoroquinolone resistance on public health and disease control strategies.

o Identification and genetic investigation of emergent resistant bacterial strains and their global spread.

o Future directions in research and policy to mitigate the rise of fluoroquinolone-resistant pathogens.

We welcome submissions that encompass Original Research, Mini Review, Review, Opinion, Hypothesis & Theory, Methods related to this topic, allowing for a diversified and in-depth exploration of fluoroquinolone resistance.

By delving into these areas, this Research Topic aims to provide valuable insights that could inform both the scientific community and policy-makers in the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance.

Article types and fees

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

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• ... 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:

• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: fluoroquinolones, quinolone-resistance determining region (QRDR), plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR), fitness, epidemiology

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.