Antibiotic Resistance: From the Bench to Patients, 2nd Edition

Dear Colleagues,

The introduction of antibiotics into routine clinical use in the 1950s ushered in a new era in the history of humanity, allowing for the treatment of bacterial infections that were previously life-threatening or lethal. However, due to the widespread use of antimicrobials in subsequent decades, multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have emerged, which often cause difficult-to-treat infections with few remaining treatment options. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has emerged as a critical public health issue of the 21st century, which was further exacerbated by the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. According to recent reports, AMR may overcome malignant diseases as the major cause of death in the next 50 years. In addition, the disease burden of AMR disproportionally affects individuals in low- and middle-income countries, further fueling inequalities globally. Numerous stakeholders—including various governments, non-profit actors, healthcare professionals, academia, and pharmaceutical companies—have come to the realization that focused, trans-disciplinary, and trans-boundary actions are needed to overcome the burden of AMR. These interventions include improvements in surveillance methods, diagnostics, and healthcare professional training to enhance antimicrobial stewardship interventions; preclinical studies on developing novel antimicrobial lead compounds; and real-world assessment of the existing drugs to ensure their most effective use. Furthermore, focused and culture-sensitive educational campaigns targeting the public on the prudent use of antimicrobials and infection prevention are also essential.

The first edition of the Special Issue “Antibiotic Resistance: From the Bench to Patients” was published in 2020. It was a successful collection with nine excellent papers and has encouraged us to open a second edition on the same topic. As a continuation of the first Special Issue, this second edition aims to present novel results on the epidemiology of various bacterial pathogens—including the trends in the infections caused by MDR bacteria—and the novel options for their diagnostics and susceptibility testing. In addition, interventional studies on improving antimicrobial drug utilization, pharmacoepidemiological studies, and reports on the knowledge, attitude, and practices of healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors, pharmacists, etc.) and patients regarding infectious diseases and self-medication with antibiotics are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Fernando Albericio
Dr. Márió Gajdács
Guest Editors

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