Bacillus spp. are spore forming, Gram-positive bacteria commonly found in soil and other organic matters. Not all bacillus species are pathogenic in nature. Some of the notorious pathogens in the group are Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus. They are known to cause food poisoning, localized infections like ocular and ear canal infections and systemic infections like Meningitis and bacteremia. Anthrax is a well-known zoonotic infection caused by B. anthracis transmitted to humans from infected herbivores. Clinical manifestation of the disease results in localised or widespread infections which can even be fatal in many cases. Likewise, infection by B. cereus commonly leads to food poisoning characterised by diarrhea and abdominal pain.
There are continuous and ongoing efforts in understanding the structural features and mode of action of these pathogens vital in driving scientific discovery towards prevention and treatment strategies against these infections. Through this research topic, we aim to explore the scientific gaps associated with our understanding of Bacillus species and its importance to design better drug and treatment modalities.
The current Research Topic aims to highlight the latest scientific findings on these pathogens in the following areas:
1. Mode of transmission between the hosts.
2. Pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms developed by the species.
3. Host-pathogen interaction and immune evasion mechanisms.
4. Prevention strategies to stem the infection.
5. Novel treatment strategies against the infection.
Bacillus spp. are spore forming, Gram-positive bacteria commonly found in soil and other organic matters. Not all bacillus species are pathogenic in nature. Some of the notorious pathogens in the group are Bacillus anthracis and B. cereus. They are known to cause food poisoning, localized infections like ocular and ear canal infections and systemic infections like Meningitis and bacteremia. Anthrax is a well-known zoonotic infection caused by B. anthracis transmitted to humans from infected herbivores. Clinical manifestation of the disease results in localised or widespread infections which can even be fatal in many cases. Likewise, infection by B. cereus commonly leads to food poisoning characterised by diarrhea and abdominal pain.
There are continuous and ongoing efforts in understanding the structural features and mode of action of these pathogens vital in driving scientific discovery towards prevention and treatment strategies against these infections. Through this research topic, we aim to explore the scientific gaps associated with our understanding of Bacillus species and its importance to design better drug and treatment modalities.
The current Research Topic aims to highlight the latest scientific findings on these pathogens in the following areas:
1. Mode of transmission between the hosts.
2. Pathogenesis and resistance mechanisms developed by the species.
3. Host-pathogen interaction and immune evasion mechanisms.
4. Prevention strategies to stem the infection.
5. Novel treatment strategies against the infection.