Surveillance and Control Strategies for Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

The growing prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) presents a significant global health challenge, complicating infectious disease treatment and resulting in increased rates of morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. This special issue seeks to showcase innovative research and comprehensive reviews on surveillance, epidemiological tracking, and cutting-edge strategies to control MDRB in both clinical and community environments. We encourage submissions covering novel diagnostic tools, molecular and genomic surveillance, infection prevention measures, antimicrobial stewardship, ecological factors in resistance spread, optimal drug use and delivery, and supportive policy frameworks. Multidisciplinary approaches that integrate microbiology, clinical medicine, public health, and data science are especially welcome. Through the synthesis of recent advances and emerging insights, this special issue aims to deepen understanding of MDRB epidemiology and support the development of effective interventions to limit their impact on global health.

The global increase in MDRB is a critical public health issue. These pathogens challenge the effectiveness of antibiotics and complicate the management of infectious diseases, resulting in higher rates of illness, longer hospital stays, and increased healthcare costs. The rapid evolution and spread of resistance mechanisms hinder current diagnostic, therapeutic, and infection control practices. There is an urgent need for robust surveillance and control strategies to track resistance patterns, promptly identify outbreaks, and deliver targeted interventions.

Integrated systems that leverage molecular diagnostics, genomic sequencing, drug discovery, and epidemiological data are key for real-time monitoring of MDRB. Technological advances in whole-genome sequencing and bioinformatics now allow for precise identification of resistance genes and transmission pathways, supporting more effective containment measures. Strengthened infection prevention protocols, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and improved environmental sanitation further limit transmission in both healthcare and community settings. Moreover, strong policy frameworks and coordinated data sharing are essential for a comprehensive global response.

This research topic aims to showcase recent innovations and promote interdisciplinary efforts to address the escalating threat of MDRB, ultimately safeguarding public health and preserving antibiotic efficacy.

The scope of this special issue includes, but is not limited to:

• Development and implementation of advanced surveillance tools—including molecular diagnostics, whole-genome sequencing, and bioinformatics—for precise detection, tracking, and characterization of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

• Infection prevention and control measures in clinical and community settings, such as hygiene protocols, targeted isolation practices, and environmental sanitation.

• Design, outcomes, and optimization of antimicrobial stewardship programs that focus on rational antibiotic use to curb resistance emergence among bacterial pathogens.

• Novel diagnostic technologies and point-of-care testing for rapid, accurate identification of bacterial resistance.

• Ecological studies investigating environmental reservoirs and factors influencing the emergence and dissemination of resistance in bacterial populations.

• Policy and regulatory frameworks that strengthen bacterial surveillance, facilitate real-time data sharing, and inform effective intervention strategies at local, national, and international levels.

• Integration of AI and machine learning approaches for predictive modelling of bacterial resistance patterns and the design of effective control strategies.

Keywords: Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs), Antimicrobial Resistance, Surveillance Strategies, Infection Control, Genomic 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.