Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance in Bacteria

Dear Colleagues, 

Antibiotic resistance (AR) developed by bacteria is considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the main threats to global health.  The alarming increase in this resistance is undoubtedly one of the greatest current public health problems since these compounds constitute one of the main tools for controlling and treating bacterial infections both in human and veterinary medicine. The problem is multisectoral and involves many complex challenges. In addition to medical components, it has economic, ecological, sociological and developmental dimensions. In the 21st century, infectious diseases remain one of the most important causes of death in humanity, although their relative contribution has been decreasing since the 19th century.  The introduction of antibiotics into clinical practice during the 1940s was one of the most important interventions for their control and increased the life expectancy of the population by several years. Antibiotics have saved millions of lives, but they have also brought about a revolution in medicine. They have contributed significantly to progress in fields such as solid organ and hematopoietic progenitor transplants; survival of premature and immunocompromised patients (natural or by pharmacological therapies); prosthetic surgery; and vascular catheters, where infections are particularly prevalent and important. Currently, antibiotics are the most prescribed and consumed drugs in the world.  The loss of efficacy of these drugs is leading to a silent tsunami that is silently invading the world and collapsing the pillars on which modern medicine is based upon. Antibiotic resistance is not only a future threat; it is present here and now. For these reasons, this situation requires immediate action, and we must all share the responsibility of preserving antibiotics for current and future generations. This Special Issue welcomes all forms of articles, e.g., reviews, short reports, hypotheses, research articles, opinions and comments on mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Prof. Dr. María-Teresa Pérez-Gracia
Prof. Dr. Clara Marín Orenga
Dr. Beatriz Suay-García
Guest Editors

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• antibiotic resistance
• mechanisms
• superbugs
• bacteria