About this Research Topic

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant and growing threat to food microbiology, particularly within food production environments. The transmission of AMR genes among bacteria throughout the food supply chain is a major public health concern, as it compromises food safety and enhances the risk of widespread resistance. Studies highlight that these transmissions are influenced by complex interactions between microbial communities and food processing environments, suggesting multifactorial propagation mechanisms that require detailed investigation.

This Research Topic aims to trace and understand the transmission patterns of AMR genes within the food chain. The goal is to develop targeted strategies that prevent the spread of resistance, focusing particularly on interventions that are feasible within the food microbiology sector. By dissecting the genetic landscapes of microbial populations in food, this work is dedicated to uncovering the critical factors that drive AMR gene flow and establishing methods to counteract this effectively.

To deepen our understanding of AMR transfer within food microbiological contexts, we encourage Original Research, Review, Mini Review and Methods articles that cover the following subjects, but are not limited to:

• Detailed profiling of AMR gene transfer within different food matrices;

• The impact of specific food processing methods on the dynamics of microbial resistance;

• Role of microbial ecosystems in fresh and processed foods in facilitating AMR spread;

• Technological advancements in monitoring and managing microbial populations in food;

• Case studies on the implementation and success rates of novel food safety protocols in controlling AMR in the food chain.

This Research Topic aims to bridge the gap between academic studies and practical applications, fostering a safer food supply chain by addressing the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance.

Please note submissions of case reports or brief research reports should be directed to Frontiers in Industrial Microbiology.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: AMR interventions, foodborne pathogen prevalence, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, horizontal gene transfer, microbial food safety, food processing methods, microbial populations in food

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.

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