Zoonotic Risk Associated with Microbial Infections in Exotic and Companion Animals: A One Health Perspective

Some microbial infections in companion animals pose a potential risk of zoonotic transmission to humans. The increasing presence of animals in households, particularly exotic animals, heightens the need for zoonotic risk assessment as these animals can often be asymptomatic reservoirs of significant microorganisms. This risk correlates with the distribution and presence of zoonotic microorganisms—bacteria, viruses, and fungi—within environments shared by both animals and humans. From a One Health perspective, it is essential to be mindful of risks associated not only with the transmission of zoonotic pathogens but also with their antimicrobial resistance.

The zoonotic transmission of pathogens between animals and humans, especially the transmission of antimicrobial resistance genes, is of paramount concern. Given the potential and widespread nature of this risk, it is crucial to maintain a global perspective to support the efforts of practicing veterinarians.

The aim of this Research Topic is to provide an updated understanding of the risks related to the transmission of pathogens, particularly focusing on antibiotic-resistant pathogens following a One Health approach. We invite the submission of Original Research and Review papers that advance this understanding.

Specific topics of interest include:
-Mechanisms and studies of zoonotic bacterial diseases
-Emerging zoonotic viral diseases and their transmission dynamics
-The role of companion animals as reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens
-Impact of exotic animals on zoonotic disease spread and antimicrobial resistance
-Detailed genetic and phenotypic analysis of antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic pathogens

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

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Article types

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

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

Keywords: Zoonoses, Companion animals, Exotic animals, One Health

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.