Editorial: Multidrug resistant bacteria: new therapeutic approaches for a challenging problem

Abstract

The misuse of antimicrobials has accelerated the emergence and spread of multidrugresistant (MDR) bacterial strains, making infectious diseases increasingly difficult to treat and transforming this issue into a global crisis. Recently, it was estimated that in 2019, 1.3 million deaths were directly attributable to antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacterial pathogens (Naghavi et al., 2024). In this context, it is urgent to address critical areas, including the search for effective therapeutic alternatives, rapid diagnostics, and improved surveillance to detect emerging AMR pathogens. In this Research Topic, we have compiled six manuscripts that present novel findings and potential alternatives for the treatment of infections caused by MDR microorganisms.