Biofilms and antimicrobial resistance in livestock pathogens: mechanisms, detection and control

Biofilms play a crucial role in the persistence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in livestock production systems. Pathogens affecting cattle, swine, and poultry often form biofilms on animal tissues and farm environments, increasing their tolerance to antimicrobials and host defenses. Advances in genomics, transcriptomics, and imaging have deepened our understanding of the molecular basis of biofilm formation and its link to horizontal gene transfer and resistome dynamics.This Research Topic aims to gather studies exploring the mechanisms, detection, and control of biofilm-associated AMR in veterinary pathogens. Emphasis will be placed on innovative strategies such as phage therapy, anti-biofilm peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and nanomaterials. By integrating microbiology, veterinary medicine, and biotechnology, this collection seeks to provide new insights and practical solutions to mitigate biofilm-mediated resistance and promote sustainable animal production.



This Research Topic aims to bring together multidisciplinary research that advances our understanding of how biofilm formation contributes to antimicrobial resistance in livestock pathogens. By exploring the molecular, genetic, and ecological dimensions of biofilm-mediated resistance, we seek to identify innovative strategies for detection, prevention, and control that can improve animal health, reduce antimicrobial use, and mitigate zoonotic risks. The collection will promote the exchange of knowledge among microbiologists, veterinarians, molecular biologists, and biotechnologists working towards sustainable livestock production systems.



This Research Topic focuses on the role of biofilms in the persistence and dissemination of a AMR in livestock pathogens. We invite submissions that address:



-Molecular and physiological mechanisms of biofilm formation and maintenance in veterinary pathogens.

-Genetic and genomic insights into biofilm-associated AMR, including horizontal gene transfer and resistome dynamics.

-Pathogen biology and infection dynamics in livestock species (cattle, swine, poultry).Innovative diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies, such as phage therapy, anti-biofilm peptides, quorum-sensing inhibitors, and nanomaterials.

-Translational and applied approaches aimed at improving herd health and reducing antimicrobial use in animal production systems.



We welcome original research, reviews, mini-reviews, methods papers, and perspectives integrating microbiology, genomics, and veterinary medicine to provide actionable insights into the control of biofilm-associated infections and AMR.

Article types and fees

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

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... 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
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Biofilms, Antimicrobial resistance, Livestock pathogens, Genomics, One Health, Horizontal gene transfer, Veterinary microbiology, Sustainable animal production

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.