About this Research Topic
Virulence gene composition and detailed antibiotic resistance mechanisms are easily extracted from whole genome sequences, providing deep insight into the nature of particular strains of microorganisms.
Recent development in sequencing techniques makes close to real-time sequencing of microbial genomes possible. Data can immediately be shared electronically and compared. Thus, NGS has provided hitherto unseen efficiency and speed to surveillance of infectious diseases at the local, national and international level, allowing prompt intervention against transmission.
Spread of microorganisms causing infections is a global challenge to human welfare. Use of NGS has proven of great value in the fight against both well-known and new infectious diseases. A number of new approaches for improvement and extension of NGS in prevention of infectious diseases have recently been initiated. Many are still under development.
In this Research Topic we wish to illustrate the value of NGS in preventing infections. In particular, it is the goal to bring new information on the many different applications and new discoveries made by use of NGS. Innovative solutions to specific problems and new ideas of applying NGS in infection prevention are of specific interest. Economical, organizational and policy aspects can be addressed.
We wish to explore current status and future perspectives of NGS in prevention of infectious diseases. Applications of NGS for controlling bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitological pathogens are relevant to the Research Topic.
The scope of the Research Topic is to bring new information on the use of NGS in prevention of infectious diseases. Specific topics to be addressed includes, but not limited to:
• Surveillance of specific infections at the local, national and international level;
• Antibiotic resistance mechanisms and their transmission;
• New bioinformatic tools and laboratory solutions for application of NGS in prevention of infections;
• Clinically and epidemiologically important characterization of microorganisms;
• New discoveries of pathogens by use of NGS;
• NGS based development of vaccines and new antimicrobial drugs, including non-antibiotics;
• New approaches using NGS for infection control;
• Organisation and standardisation of NGS in prevention of infections.
The Research Topic welcomes the following article types: Original Research , Systematic Review, Methods, Review, Mini Review, Perspective, Community Case Study, Brief Research Report, Opinion and Technology.
Keywords: next generation sequencing, NGS, infection prevention, disease surveillance, antibiotic resistance, infection control
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.