Zoonotic Diseases, Predictive Genomics, and One Health Strategies

Zoonotic diseases remain a major global health concern, accounting for over 60% of emerging infectious pathogens that impact both human and animal populations. Notably, bacterial zoonoses such as those caused by Brucella melitensis, Bacillus anthracis, Mycobacterium bovis, Coxiella burnetii, and Listeria monocytogenes pose substantial threats, with some capable of millions of fatalities worldwide and others recognized as potential agents of biowarfare. Historical accounts, including the bubonic plague, underscore the devastating effects of zoonotic transmission, driven by factors such as increasing animal population densities and closer interactions between wildlife and humans. Despite advances in research, significant challenges persist, particularly in developing effective diagnostics, treatments, and vaccines, due to gaps in pathogen biology and epidemiology.Recent advances in genomics, especially with next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies and whole genome sequencing (WGS), have transformed our capacity to decipher the genetic underpinnings of bacterial virulence and antimicrobial resistance. These tools have enabled the identification of specific genes involved in pathogenesis, providing new targets for intervention and facilitating a more precise selection of therapeutics. However, gaps remain in translating these insights into actionable public health measures, particularly given the complexity of zoonotic transmission across multisectoral interfaces involving animals, humans, and the environment.This Research Topic aims to foster a comprehensive understanding of bacterial zoonotic diseases through the integration of predictive genomics and One Health strategies. The main objectives include unraveling the genomic determinants of virulence and resistance, elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying infection and persistence, and promoting the development of novel diagnostics and interventions. By bringing together expertise from veterinary medicine, human health, environmental science, and molecular biology, this topic seeks to advance holistic solutions for surveillance, prevention, and control of zoonotic diseases on local and global scales.The scope of this Research Topic is defined by its focus on bacterial zoonotic pathogens and the application of multi-disciplinary, genomic, and One Health approaches to their study, prevention, and control. Articles that address molecular, epidemiological, and translational aspects of zoonotic infections are particularly encouraged. We welcome contributions addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:- Epidemiology of bacterial zoonotic pathogens- Next generation sequencing approaches to unravel virulence factors- Antimicrobial resistance among zoonotic bacterial pathogens- Mechanisms behind resistance development, integrating findings from molecular biology and public health- Comparative genomics approaches to understand the role of virulence genes- Novel alternative strategies to combat zoonotic bacterial pathogens- Antimicrobial alternatives to treat zoonotic diseasesIn this Research Topic, we welcome the following article types: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, and Systematic Review.If you are interested in submitting or have any questions, please contact the journal email: bacteriology@frontiersin.org. Topic editors: Kumaragurubaran Karthik, Jeannette Barba-León Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/76556/zoonotic-diseases-predictive-genomics-and-one-health-strategies