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Unraveling Molecular Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 August 2024) | Viewed by 4010

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, ARNAS Garibaldi Hospital, University of Catania, 95122 Catania, Italy
Interests: Infectious diseases; bacterial infections; clinical microbiology; bacterial resistance mechanisms; antibiotics; antimicrobial susceptibility testing; new antibacterial drugs/molecules
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria poses a significant challenge in clinical settings, leading to increasing morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs worldwide. These pathogens, notorious for their robust defense mechanisms and ability to rapidly disseminate resistance genes, are at the forefront of the antibiotic resistance crisis. This Special Issue aims to focus on unravelling the complex molecular mechanisms underlying antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, offering a critical insight into the battle between modern medicine and bacterial evolution, with a particular focus on new antibiotics to fight MDR-GN bacteria, especially against Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.

The articles published in this Special Issue should collectively address various strategies employed by Gram-negative bacteria to counteract antibiotics, such as the upregulation of efflux pumps, modification of drug targets, and acquisition of resistance genes via horizontal gene transfer. Special attention should be given to the role of mobile genetic elements like plasmids and integrons in the spread of resistance traits, emphasizing the dynamic nature of this global health threat.

Advancements in genomic and proteomic technologies have enabled a deeper understanding of bacterial resistance mechanisms, facilitating the identification of novel targets for therapeutic intervention. This Special Issue aims to highlight several innovative approaches to overcoming resistance, including the development of new antibiotics that bypass known resistance mechanisms, the strategic use of combination therapies to reduce the selection pressure for resistant strains, and exploring alternative treatments such as bacteriophage therapy.

In summarizing the current state of research, this Special Issue aims to not only shed light on the molecular intricacies of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria but also chart a course for future investigations. We hope to underscore the urgency of adopting a multidisciplinary approach to develop effective strategies against this ever-evolving threat, stressing the importance of global collaboration in the fight against antibiotic resistance.

Dr. Andrea Marino
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • MDR bacteria
  • antibiotic resistance
  • difficult-to-treat bacteria
  • efflux pumps
  • plasmids
  • beta-lactamases

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Review

22 pages, 3346 KiB  
Review
Unveiling the Secrets of Acinetobacter baumannii: Resistance, Current Treatments, and Future Innovations
by Andrea Marino, Egle Augello, Stefano Stracquadanio, Carlo Maria Bellanca, Federica Cosentino, Serena Spampinato, Giuseppina Cantarella, Renato Bernardini, Stefania Stefani, Bruno Cacopardo and Giuseppe Nunnari
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(13), 6814; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25136814 - 21 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3467
Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii represents a significant concern in nosocomial settings, particularly in critically ill patients who are forced to remain in hospital for extended periods. The challenge of managing and preventing this organism is further compounded by its increasing ability to develop resistance due [...] Read more.
Acinetobacter baumannii represents a significant concern in nosocomial settings, particularly in critically ill patients who are forced to remain in hospital for extended periods. The challenge of managing and preventing this organism is further compounded by its increasing ability to develop resistance due to its extraordinary genomic plasticity, particularly in response to adverse environmental conditions. Its recognition as a significant public health risk has provided a significant impetus for the identification of new therapeutic approaches and infection control strategies. Indeed, currently used antimicrobial agents are gradually losing their efficacy, neutralized by newer and newer mechanisms of bacterial resistance, especially to carbapenem antibiotics. A deep understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms is urgently needed to shed light on the properties that allow A. baumannii enormous resilience against standard therapies. Among the most promising alternatives under investigation are the combination sulbactam/durlobactam, cefepime/zidebactam, imipenem/funobactam, xeruborbactam, and the newest molecules such as novel polymyxins or zosurabalpin. Furthermore, the potential of phage therapy, as well as deep learning and artificial intelligence, offer a complementary approach that could be particularly useful in cases where traditional strategies fail. The fight against A. baumannii is not confined to the microcosm of microbiological research or hospital wards; instead, it is a broader public health dilemma that demands a coordinated, global response. Full article
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