AMR | Ongoing Call for Papers

Polymicrobial infections | Bacterial and Fungal Priority Pathogens | Prioritizing Diseases in Emergency Contexts 

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Section Editor for Antimicrobial Resistance


Dr. Vijay Kothari, Nirma University - India
(ORCID | Scopus Author ID | ResearchGate | ReviewerCredits | About the Editor)

Article types
Short communication; Full research paper; Mini-review; Full-length review paper

Journal information
Impact Factor 2024: 2.5
Scimago - Journal & Country Rank | Web of Science - Master Journal List | About this journal

Publisher information
AboutScience

Polymicrobial Infections: Mechanisms, Diagnostics, and Clinical Implications

Polymicrobial infections, involving the simultaneous presence of multiple pathogenic organisms, are increasingly recognized in a wide array of clinical contexts — from chronic wounds and respiratory tract infections to intra-abdominal sepsis and biofilm-associated diseases. Despite their prevalence and impact, the complexity of host-pathogen and intermicrobial interactions in these infections remains incompletely understood.
In response, Drug Target Insights welcomes submissions contributions from researchers, clinicians, and interdisciplinary teams aimed to advance our understanding of the pathogenesis, detection, therapeutic strategies, and clinical management of polymicrobial infections.

Topics of interest include (but are not limited to):

  • Molecular mechanisms and microbiome dynamics in polymicrobial infections
  • Host immune responses to multi-pathogen challenges
  • Diagnostic tools and technologies (e.g., metagenomics, multiplex PCR, NGS)
  • Antimicrobial resistance in polymicrobial settings
  • Biofilm and interspecies interactions
  • Clinical case series and cohort studies
  • Animal models and translational research
  • Implications for infection control and antimicrobial stewardship

 Bacterial and Fungal Priority Pathogens: Drug Targets, Resistance, and Novel Therapeutics

The global rise of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) presents an urgent threat to public health, with bacterial priority pathogens at the forefront of this crisis with the global burden of invasive fungal diseases rising, particularly among immunocompromised populations.
In response, Drug Target Insights welcomes submissions from microbiologists, infectious disease specialists, pharmacologists, epidemiologists, public health professionals, and interdisciplinary researchers focused on Bacterial and Fungal Priority Pathogens, addressing the urgent need for innovative strategies to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and identify effective therapeutic targets.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • Global and regional surveillance of bacterial and fungal priority pathogens
  • Epidemiology and global burden of priority bacterial and fungal diseases
  • Mechanisms of antimicrobial and antifungal resistance, emerging resistance trends, and virulence factors
  • Genomic epidemiology, molecular typing, and pathogen evolution
  • Novel antimicrobial and antifungal agents, combination therapies, and development of innovative therapeutics
  • Non-traditional strategies, such as bacteriophages, vaccines, and antimicrobial peptides
  • Diagnostic innovations, rapid detection technologies, and addressing accessibility in low-resource settings
  • Host-pathogen interactions, immunopathology, and immune responses
  • Fungal infections and bacterial diseases in vulnerable populations (e.g., HIV, transplant, ICU, cancer, immunocompromised individuals)
  • Surveillance systems, data gaps in disease reporting, and infection prevention and control measures
  • Infection control, antifungal and antimicrobial stewardship programs
  • Policy, stewardship, and global health perspectives on combating resistance

 Prioritizing Diseases for Research and Development in Emergency Contexts: Implications for Drug Target Discovery

In an era increasingly marked by public health emergencies—ranging from pandemics and conflict-related outbreaks to climate-driven health crises—there is a critical need to systematically prioritize diseases for research and development (R&D). This prioritization is essential not only for equitable resource allocation, but also for accelerating the discovery and validation of effective drug targets.

We welcome original research, systematic reviews, perspectives, commentaries and case studies that explore frameworks, methodologies, and real-world applications for prioritizing diseases in emergency settings, with a focus on how these efforts inform and enhance drug discovery and therapeutic innovation.

Topic of interest are (but not limited to):

  • Methodologies for disease prioritization in low-resource or emergency contexts
  • Integrating epidemiological, economic, and social data for R&D prioritization
  • The role of global and regional institutions (e.g., WHO, CEPI, GAVI) in disease prioritization
  • Case studies from recent public health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19, Ebola, cholera, mpox)
  • Ethical considerations in disease prioritization and resource allocation
  • Leveraging genomics and systems biology to identify novel drug targets
  • Impact of disease prioritization on antimicrobial resistance and neglected tropical diseases
  • Equity, access, and representation in R&D prioritization decisions
  • Policy recommendations for sustainable R&D pipelines in emergency settings

Previous call for papers

Priority pathogens

The global impact of infectious diseases poses significant challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Among these, priority pathogens stand out as key targets for research, surveillance, and control efforts. Understanding their biology, epidemiology, and interaction with hosts is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their impact on public health. 

Drug Target Insights invites contributions presenting innovative and/or unconventional views and perspectives on priority pathogens across various disciplines including microbiology, epidemiology, immunology, clinical medicine, public health and bioinformatics.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to: 

  • Molecular characterization and evolution of priority pathogens
  • Mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and strategies for combatting resistance
  • Host-pathogen interactions and immune response
  • Epidemiology and surveillance of priority pathogens
  • Diagnostics, treatment, and prevention strategies
  • One Health approaches to understanding and controlling priority pathogens
  • Socioeconomic impacts and biosafety considerations related to priority pathogens 

 

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) remains a significant global public health concern, posing challenges in both healthcare and community settings. Despite advances in antimicrobial therapies and infection control strategies, the prevalence of MRSA infections continues to rise, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs
Drug Target Insights invites researchers, scientists, clinicians, and academicians from around the world to contribute their latest findings, advancements, and insights in the field of MRSA research.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to: 

  •  Molecular mechanisms of MRSA resistance
  • Epidemiology and surveillance of MRSA infections
  • Novel diagnostic methods for MRSA detection
  • Antibiotic stewardship and management of MRSA infections
  • Host-pathogen interactions in MRSA colonization and infection
  • Development of new antimicrobial agents targeting MRSA
  • Evolution and spread of MRSA strains
  • Vaccine development and immunotherapeutic approaches for MRSA prevention and treatment
  • Implementation of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings
  • Socioeconomic and environmental factors influencing MRSA transmission

 

Vancomycin-Resistant Pathogens – Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) and Enterococci (VRE)

The emergence of vancomycin-resistant pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), poses a significant challenge to global public health. Addressing these threats requires innovative, interdisciplinary research to unravel their resistance mechanisms, epidemiology, and treatment strategies.
Drug Target Insights invites researchers, clinicians, scientists, and academicians from around the world to submit their latest findings, reviews, and insights on VRSA and VRE. This combined call aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of these pathogens and advance strategies to combat them.

Topics of Interest include but are not limited to:

  • Mechanisms of vancomycin resistance in S. aureus and Enterococcus species.
  • Global epidemiology, surveillance data, and trends in VRSA and VRE prevalence.
  • Advances in diagnostic techniques for rapid detection of VRSA and VRE.
  • Novel therapeutic approaches and alternative antimicrobial agents targeting resistant pathogens.
  • Genomic and proteomic insights into the evolution, transmission, and spread of VRSA and VRE.
  • Infection control measures, public health strategies, and prevention in healthcare settings

 

Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL)

The increasing prevalence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBL)-producing bacteria represents a significant global challenge in antimicrobial resistance, posing threats to both clinical outcomes and public health. Addressing this issue requires innovative research and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Drug Target Insights invites researchers, clinicians, and scientists to submit their latest findings, reviews, and advancements in the field of ESBL research.

Topics of Interest include but are not limited to:

  • Molecular mechanisms and genetic determinants of ESBL production.
  • Epidemiology and global trends in ESBL-producing pathogens.
  • Advances in diagnostic techniques for rapid ESBL detection.
  • Therapeutic challenges and novel treatment strategies for ESBL infections.
  • Role of ESBL in nosocomial and community-acquired infections.
  • Infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship programs.

 

Quorum sensing

Quorum sensing (QS) is a fundamental mechanism of microbial communication that regulates a wide range of processes, from biofilm formation to virulence and antimicrobial resistance. Understanding QS systems not only reveals insights into microbial behavior but also offers novel opportunities for therapeutic interventions and industrial applications.
Drug Target Insights invites researchers, clinicians, and scientists from diverse disciplines to contribute their latest studies, reviews, and perspectives on quorum sensing. This call aims to advance our knowledge of QS systems and explore innovative strategies to target or exploit microbial communication.

Topics of Interest include but are not limited to:

  • Molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in quorum sensing.
  • Role of quorum sensing in microbial pathogenesis and biofilm formation.
  • Inter-species and inter-kingdom communication mediated by quorum sensing.
  • Development of quorum-sensing inhibitors and their therapeutic potential.
  • Applications of quorum sensing in biotechnology and industrial microbiology.
  • Evolutionary aspects and ecological implications of quorum sensing.
  • Advances in detection and imaging techniques for studying quorum sensing.