Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health threat, predicted to result in 10 million annual deaths by 2050 if not effectively addressed. The integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) into microbiology has markedly improved the accuracy and speed of pathogen and AMR detection. Targeted NGS, focusing on specific genetic regions associated with pathogens and resistance genes, provides detailed genetic insights critical for precise identification and characterization. This method offers a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing by concentrating on genomic regions of known relevance to pathogens and AMR.
The targeted NGS process involves extracting DNA or RNA from clinical samples, followed by the amplification and enrichment of predefined genetic regions using specific primers or probes. These regions are then sequenced using high-throughput NGS platforms, generating extensive data. Advanced bioinformatics tools are employed to analyze the sequencing data, enabling the accurate identification of pathogens and detection of AMR genes with high sensitivity and specificity.
Targeted NGS has several advantages over traditional diagnostic methods, including higher resolution, the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and resistance genes, and rapid turnaround times. This technology is highly valuable in clinical settings for the prompt diagnosis of infections, guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and monitoring the emergence and spread of resistance.
This Research Topic aims to address the critical need for advanced diagnostic tools for identifying pathogens and AMR genes. It focuses on the development, validation, and application of targeted NGS techniques to enhance clinical diagnostics, epidemiological studies, and public health strategies. Contributions should discuss the challenges and innovations in employing targeted NGS for rapid and accurate pathogen identification and resistance profiling.
This Research Topic invites submissions on the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the identification and profiling of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Researchers are encouraged to contribute original research articles, reviews, case reports, and technical notes. Submissions should focus on advancements, methodologies, and applications of targeted NGS in clinical and epidemiological settings.
Submissions should address one or more of the following themes:
• Development and optimization of targeted NGS protocols for pathogen and AMR gene detection.
• Comparative studies and evaluation of targeted NGS against traditional diagnostic methods.
• Bioinformatics tools and pipelines for analyzing targeted NGS data, showcasing case studies demonstrating clinical utility.
• Applications of targeted NGS in epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigations, and routine clinical practice.
• Challenges and solutions in implementing targeted NGS in resource-limited settings.
Keywords:
Next-Generation Sequencing, Pathogens, Antimicrobial resistance, Epidemiology
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.
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a pressing global health threat, predicted to result in 10 million annual deaths by 2050 if not effectively addressed. The integration of next-generation sequencing (NGS) into microbiology has markedly improved the accuracy and speed of pathogen and AMR detection. Targeted NGS, focusing on specific genetic regions associated with pathogens and resistance genes, provides detailed genetic insights critical for precise identification and characterization. This method offers a streamlined, cost-effective alternative to whole-genome sequencing by concentrating on genomic regions of known relevance to pathogens and AMR.
The targeted NGS process involves extracting DNA or RNA from clinical samples, followed by the amplification and enrichment of predefined genetic regions using specific primers or probes. These regions are then sequenced using high-throughput NGS platforms, generating extensive data. Advanced bioinformatics tools are employed to analyze the sequencing data, enabling the accurate identification of pathogens and detection of AMR genes with high sensitivity and specificity.
Targeted NGS has several advantages over traditional diagnostic methods, including higher resolution, the simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens and resistance genes, and rapid turnaround times. This technology is highly valuable in clinical settings for the prompt diagnosis of infections, guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and monitoring the emergence and spread of resistance.
This Research Topic aims to address the critical need for advanced diagnostic tools for identifying pathogens and AMR genes. It focuses on the development, validation, and application of targeted NGS techniques to enhance clinical diagnostics, epidemiological studies, and public health strategies. Contributions should discuss the challenges and innovations in employing targeted NGS for rapid and accurate pathogen identification and resistance profiling.
This Research Topic invites submissions on the application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) for the identification and profiling of pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Researchers are encouraged to contribute original research articles, reviews, case reports, and technical notes. Submissions should focus on advancements, methodologies, and applications of targeted NGS in clinical and epidemiological settings.
Submissions should address one or more of the following themes:
• Development and optimization of targeted NGS protocols for pathogen and AMR gene detection.
• Comparative studies and evaluation of targeted NGS against traditional diagnostic methods.
• Bioinformatics tools and pipelines for analyzing targeted NGS data, showcasing case studies demonstrating clinical utility.
• Applications of targeted NGS in epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigations, and routine clinical practice.
• Challenges and solutions in implementing targeted NGS in resource-limited settings.
Keywords:
Next-Generation Sequencing, Pathogens, Antimicrobial resistance, Epidemiology
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.