Innovative Strategies for Combatting Extraintestinal Pathogenic E. Coli (Expec): Advances in Prevention, Biosensing, and Therapeutics for Invasive Infections

Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC), including uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC), are among the leading bacterial causes of urinary tract infections, sepsis, neonatal meningitis, and other invasive diseases in humans. These infections have serious consequences for patients and healthcare systems worldwide. Their clinical impact is further compounded by increasing antimicrobial resistance, recurrent infection, persistence in host niches, and the ability of successful strains to spread across community and healthcare settings. Addressing the burden of ExPEC infections requires a deeper understanding of their pathogenicity, host–pathogen interactions, transmission, and adaptation, alongside translational advances to support improved prevention, earlier detection, and more effective treatment.This Research Topic aims to advance understanding of ExPEC research, with a particular focus on the mechanisms underlying infection. It will examine sustainable prevention strategies, including vaccines targeting conserved antigens and virulence determinants. It will also address rapid and accurate biosensing and diagnostic approaches for strain identification and resistance profiling, as well as emerging therapeutic strategies. These may include anti-virulence approaches, phage-based interventions, monoclonal antibodies, microbiome-informed approaches, and novel antimicrobial compounds.Contributions integrating genomic, proteomic, metabolomic, and functional analyses are encouraged to improve understanding of ExPEC survival, persistence, immune evasion, dissemination, and clinical impact. Such studies may help support the development of practical and sustainable solutions for the prevention and management of multidrug-resistant ExPEC infections. Topic editors: Juan Xicohtencatl-Cortes, Ariadnna Cruz-Córdova, Michael Adetokunbo Olu-Taiwo Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/82553/innovative-strategies-for-combatting-extraintestinal-pathogenic-e-coli-expec-advances-in-prevention-biosensing-and-therapeutics-for-invasive-infections