Editorial: Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance and Virulence Factors of Emerging and Re-emerging Bacteria

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is a global public health concern causing significant healthcare costs, hospitalizations, and deaths by 2050. AMR is accelerated by mobilizable genetic elements (MGEs), including plasmids, transposons, and integrons, which accelerate the horizontal spread of antibiotic resistance genes. This Research Topic compiled information on the prevalence of virulence and resistance determinants in clinically important bacteria, as well as emerging pathogens. AMR is a concern affecting whole living beings and needs to be analyzed from the One Health approach. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has been used to track bacterial clones, revealing the distribution of AMR genes and sequence types in bloodstream infections. AMR is also a concern in the community setting, with Salmonella being linked to outbreaks. Identifying genes associated with AMR in emerging pathogens remains a major issue. Implementing genomic-based screening strategies and new-generation technologies is crucial for understanding the proper treatment, prevention, and control of hospital- and community-acquired diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.