Novel Strategies for Countering ESKAPE Pathogens

ESKAPE pathogens—which include Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species—are at the forefront of the global challenge posed by antimicrobial resistance. Renowned for their remarkable adaptability, these bacteria can evade conventional biocidal treatments, resulting in persistent and difficult-to-treat infections. Recent surveillance and clinical reports highlight the increasing incidence of multidrug resistance among these organisms, including resistance to glycopeptides, carbapenems, and even novel last-resort antibiotics. Despite sustained investment in infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship, therapeutic options for ESKAPE infections are dwindling, and their impact on morbidity, mortality, and healthcare systems continues to grow. Promising studies are emerging in areas such as phage therapy, advanced small molecule antimicrobials, and immunotherapeutics; yet, many of these approaches remain at early stages, and the rapid evolution of resistance mechanisms underscores the urgent need for continued research and innovative solutions.This Research Topic aims to advance the field by spotlighting research that innovatively addresses the clinical, molecular, and technological challenges presented by ESKAPE pathogens. The overarching goal is to stimulate interdisciplinary discussions surrounding novel antimicrobials, non-traditional interventions, and strategic use of current therapies, as well as the application of digital tools such as artificial intelligence in resistance prediction and drug development. By integrating fundamental, translational, and applied perspectives, this Research Topic seeks to accelerate the pace of discovery and application, fostering solutions that can restore and preserve the effectiveness of antibacterial intervention in the face of rising resistance.To gather further insights in the rapidly evolving landscape of ESKAPE pathogen research, this Research Topic focuses on advances that provide actionable solutions while also illuminating mechanisms of pathogenicity and resistance. We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Discovery and development of new antimicrobial agents• Non-traditional therapies, including phage therapy, lysins, antibodies, and microbiome interventions• Strategic deployment and repurposing of existing antibiotics• Use of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the study of drug discovery and resistance dynamics• Molecular mechanisms of resistance and strategies designed to circumvent or overcome them Topic editors: Kuang Sufang, Yubin Su, Mohammad Naiyaz Ahmad Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/75040/novel-strategies-for-countering-eskape-pathogens