Microbial Resistance and Infection Control in Public Health Care Setting

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About this Research Topic

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Background

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are microorganisms that have developed resistance to one or more classes of antimicrobial agents. Numerous studies have indicated a rising trend in the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria. These infections present significant challenges for clinicians by complicating therapeutic choices, jeopardizing patient recovery, and posing a considerable threat to public health. As a result, controlling MDROs has become a critical priority at local, national, and international levels. Despite ongoing efforts in antimicrobial stewardship, there has been an increase in the prevalence of pan-resistant Acinetobacter spp. and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Addressing this public health challenge necessitates acquiring new insights into the prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance, including an understanding of the pathogenesis, mechanisms, epidemiology, and risk factors associated with MDROs. Implementing evidence-based measures to prevent the emergence and transmission of MDROs is essential.

Moreover, the development of new disinfection technologies to combat MDROs on environmental surfaces is crucial in the fight against healthcare-associated infections. Scientific research is pivotal across various sectors, extending beyond medicine to include agriculture, animal husbandry, and food production. Areas that require exploration include etiology, drug resistance mechanisms, scientific monitoring, multi-level intervention measures, responsible antibacterial drug use, and health economics, all aimed at mitigating the threat posed by MDROs.

This Research Topic aims to gather the latest findings in the field of microbial resistance, incorporating original research articles, reviews, and opinion pieces that examine pathogenesis, mechanisms, current epidemiology, influencing factors, and the relationship between MDROs and health outcomes. Particular attention will be given to identifying innovative approaches to disinfection and evidence-based measures to prevent the emergence or transmission of MDROs. This initiative strives to provide new insights into antibiotic resistance and enhance the field of prevention and control for MDRO.

To gather further insights into microbial resistance and infection control, researchers in the field are encouraged to submit original research, reviews, synthesis, and systematic review articles. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Current epidemiology of MDROs in various settings worldwide (e.g., hospitals, community settings, poultry farms, animal husbandry, sewage water).
• Risk factors and patient outcomes in MDRO infections.
• Interventions aimed at reducing the prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
• Prevention and infection control strategies for MDRO infections.
• Evaluation of cleaning, disinfection, and decontamination methods for MDROs on environmental surfaces.
• The relationship between antibiotic usage and MDRO prevalence.
• Economic impact analysis on patients with MDRO infections.
• Implementation of active screening protocols for detecting MDROs in patient populations.

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Keywords: pathogenesis, epidemiology, mechanisms of antibiotic resistance, microbial resistance, risk factors, multi-level intervention measures, scientific monitoring, prevention and infection control, active screening, disinfection, economic burden

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