Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance of Foodborne Salmonella

Dear Colleagues,

Foodborne Salmonella remains a significant global public health burden, causing millions of infections annually through contaminated food products. The emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant ‘Salmonella’ strains have severely compromised treatment efficacy, escalating healthcare costs and mortality rates. Resistance mechanisms in these pathogens—such as enzymatic inactivation, efflux pumps, target modification, and plasmid-mediated horizontal gene transfer—are increasingly complex and poorly understood in the context of foodborne transmission. Furthermore, the interplay between agricultural practices, food processing, and human consumption creates reservoirs for resistance gene dissemination. Understanding these mechanisms is critical to designing targeted interventions, novel therapeutics, and sustainable surveillance strategies.

This Special Issue aims to compile cutting-edge research and reviews on the molecular, genetic, and ecological drivers of antibiotic resistance in foodborne ‘Salmonella’. By elucidating resistance pathways, evolutionary pressures, and transmission routes across the food chain, this issue will align with Microorganisms’ scope of publishing high-impact studies on microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance, and public health microbiology. Contributions will support the development of evidence-based policies and innovative solutions to mitigate resistance spread, directly addressing the journal’s focus on microbial threats to human, animal, and environmental health. 

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following: 

• Genomic and molecular characterization of resistance genes (e.g., ESBLs, carbapenemases) in Salmonella isolates from food animals and products. 
• Role of mobile genetic elements (plasmids, transposons) in disseminating resistance across ecosystems. 
• Biofilm formation and its contribution to persistence and resistance in food-processing environments. 
• Impact of agricultural practices (e.g., antibiotic use in livestock) on resistance selection. 
• Novel diagnostic tools for rapid detection of resistant ‘Salmonella’ strains. 
• Alternative strategies to antibiotics: phage therapy, antimicrobial peptides, and natural inhibitors. 
• Global surveillance data and epidemiological trends in foodborne resistant ‘Salmonella’. 

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue of Microorganisms, titled ‘Mechanism of Antibiotic Resistance of Foodborne Salmonella’. This collection will advance our knowledge of resistance dynamics and foster interdisciplinary collaborations to address the food safety and public health issue. 

Dr. Chunmei Jiang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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• foodborne Salmonella
• antibiotic resistance mechanisms
• antimicrobial resistance genes
• horizontal gene transfer
• biofilm and quorum sensing
• food safety and public health