There is a number of rare and recently first described bacterial species, which have been shown to cause infections in humans. Clinical information however, is mostly provided only through case reports or case series. For this reason, the data basis is currently insufficient to allow a reliable assessment of pathogenic relevance of the respective species in question. With time however, evidence that some of these species may be capable to cause chronic and/or recurrent infections is increasing (e.g. Robinsoniella peoriensis) while others may even provoke severe courses (such as Elizabethkingia spp.). The aim of the research approach is thus to clarify the clinical significance of rare human pathogens in a systematic approach.
To make a reliable statement about pathogenicity, targeted collections of the relevant species must first be established. Using these collections, methods can then be defined that enable a secure and robust species identification in routine diagnostics. By generating individual antibiograms, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles can be created and a pattern for the respective species worked out (e.g. recognition of primary resistances). By generating whole genome data, further questions such as the correct species identified or which genes encoding for antimicrobial resistance and virulence are present can be addressed. Furthermore, applying comparative genomics, statements can be made about the core- and pangenome of the respective species. Using amplicon analyses one can describe the distribution of rare human pathogenic bacteria in defined environments. The interaction with the host can then be further clarified in a targeted manner by means of both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
This Research Topic will take a closer look at the clinical significance of rare and just recently identified human pathogenic bacteria. Contributions may include first descriptions of previously unknown bacteria from clinical samples with a clear link to an infection and comparative studies of different methods for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of rare bacterial species that are pathogenic for humans. Furthermore, studies on the presence of genes for the expression of antimicrobial resistance and virulence and the description of core-/pangenomes are welcome. In addition, if possible, reference should also be made to the occurrence of the respective species both inside and outside a hospital in order to refer to possible sources of infection. Results on the interaction with the host (in vitro and/or in vivo) are also appreciated. Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives and Opinions will be considered.
There is a number of rare and recently first described bacterial species, which have been shown to cause infections in humans. Clinical information however, is mostly provided only through case reports or case series. For this reason, the data basis is currently insufficient to allow a reliable assessment of pathogenic relevance of the respective species in question. With time however, evidence that some of these species may be capable to cause chronic and/or recurrent infections is increasing (e.g. Robinsoniella peoriensis) while others may even provoke severe courses (such as Elizabethkingia spp.). The aim of the research approach is thus to clarify the clinical significance of rare human pathogens in a systematic approach.
To make a reliable statement about pathogenicity, targeted collections of the relevant species must first be established. Using these collections, methods can then be defined that enable a secure and robust species identification in routine diagnostics. By generating individual antibiograms, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles can be created and a pattern for the respective species worked out (e.g. recognition of primary resistances). By generating whole genome data, further questions such as the correct species identified or which genes encoding for antimicrobial resistance and virulence are present can be addressed. Furthermore, applying comparative genomics, statements can be made about the core- and pangenome of the respective species. Using amplicon analyses one can describe the distribution of rare human pathogenic bacteria in defined environments. The interaction with the host can then be further clarified in a targeted manner by means of both in vitro and in vivo experiments.
This Research Topic will take a closer look at the clinical significance of rare and just recently identified human pathogenic bacteria. Contributions may include first descriptions of previously unknown bacteria from clinical samples with a clear link to an infection and comparative studies of different methods for identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of rare bacterial species that are pathogenic for humans. Furthermore, studies on the presence of genes for the expression of antimicrobial resistance and virulence and the description of core-/pangenomes are welcome. In addition, if possible, reference should also be made to the occurrence of the respective species both inside and outside a hospital in order to refer to possible sources of infection. Results on the interaction with the host (in vitro and/or in vivo) are also appreciated. Original Research, Brief Research Reports, Reviews, Mini-Reviews, Perspectives and Opinions will be considered.
