Editorial: Advances in Cutaneous Microbial Infections

Fuqiu Li ^1* Liyan Xi ² Sihong Song ³

• ¹ Second Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
• ² Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
• ³ University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States

of immunodeficiency disorders.The gut microbiota, as a vital ecosystem within the human body, has a significant impact on the host's immune system, metabolism, and nervous system. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota imbalance is closely associated with the occurrence and progression of various diseases, including skin disorders. Meng et al. used bidirectional Mendelian randomization to analyze data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on gut microbiota and herpes zoster (HZ). They identified a potential bidirectional causal relationship between the gut microbiota and HZ. These findings could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches to address the global burden of HZ.As one of the most common subcutaneous fungal infections, sporotrichosis is transmitted zoonotically through traumatic inoculation of contaminated soil or plants, or through bites and scratches from infected animals, posing a global threat to both humans and animals. Despite its prevalence, treatment options for sporotrichosis remain limited. Li et al. innovatively investigated the antibacterial peptide In-58 for its in vivo and in vitro antifungal activity against Sporothrix globosa. They discovered that this peptide exhibits significant antifungal properties, highlighting its potential as a novel therapeutic agent for sporotrichosis. This study provides a theoretical foundation for the future clinical translation of antimicrobial peptides.Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, characterized by its high disabling potential. Data show that Brazil has the second-highest incidence of leprosy in the world, following India, posing a significant challenge to public health. Brito Gonçalves et al. conducted a retrospective analysis of paucibacillary leprosy in Brazil based on research from the past 20 years. Their analysis revealed significant geographical heterogeneity in Brazilian paucibacillary cases, which has profound implications for subgroup analyses. Addressing these disparities through targeted interventions and localized analyses could enhance the effectiveness of leprosy control efforts in the country. Continuous monitoring of case classification and regional trends is essential for adapting strategies to effectively tackle this public health challenge.In conclusion, the studies in this special issue highlight the need for large-scale interdisciplinary research to fully understand the complexities of various infectious skin diseases and their impact on public health. Further in-depth studies on different pathogens are essential to elucidate their mechanisms of infection and host immune responses, providing a foundation for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.