Emerging tropical pathogens remain a major global health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions where ecological complexity, climate variability and close interactions among humans, animals and the environment create opportunities for disease emergence and re-emergence. Understanding these drivers is essential for effective prevention, detection and control.

Advances in genomic and molecular technologies, from whole-genome sequencing to targeted assays such as qPCR or Sanger sequencing, are transforming our ability to characterize pathogens and trace their transmission. Yet, the pathways of emergence often extend beyond human health alone. A One Health framework, which integrates human, animal and environmental perspectives, provides a powerful lens for identifying the factors that shape pathogen evolution and spread.

This Research Topic welcomes studies that apply genomic epidemiology and molecular tools, combined with One Health approaches, to investigate emerging tropical pathogens. We particularly encourage submissions from settings with diverse resource capacities, including those using scalable or field-adaptable methods. The collections sub-themes include (but are not limited to):
• Genomic or molecular characterization of emerging or re-emerging tropical pathogens;
• Integrated human–animal–environment surveillance and cross-species transmission studies;
• Investigations focusing on a single One Health component (human, animal, or environment) that offer significant insights into pathogen emergence or transmission;
• Studies on emerging tropical infections beyond the WHO-listed Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) are encouraged;
• Application of affordable or portable molecular tools for outbreak detection;
• Environmental and ecological factors influencing pathogen emergence;
• Strategies for capacity building and implementation of One Health surveillance systems.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Genomic Epidemiology and One Health Perspectives on Emerging Tropical Pathogens