Staphylococcus aureus: Host Interactions and Adaptation

Dear Colleagues,

Staphylococcus aureus, a versatile and notorious pathogen, remains a significant threat in healthcare settings and communities worldwide due to its ability to cause a diverse array of infections, ranging from skin and soft-tissue infections to life-threatening conditions, such as bacteremia and endocarditis. The intricate interplay between S. aureus and the host immune system, along with the pathogen's remarkable adaptability, presents a complex and dynamic landscape for research. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying S. aureus pathogenesis, virulence factors, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and immune evasion strategies is crucial for developing novel therapeutic interventions and combating the challenges posed by this pathogen.

This Special Issue aims to delve into the cutting-edge research on the host interactions and adaptations of Staphylococcus aureus, inviting researchers to contribute their latest findings and insights to advance our understanding of this clinically significant pathogen. Topics of interest include the following:

• Virulence factors: Exploration of the key virulence factors of S. aureus and their role in host colonization, immune evasion, and pathogenesis.
• Antibiotic resistance: Investigation of the mechanisms driving antibiotic resistance in S. aureus and the development of novel therapeutic approaches with which to combat resistant strains.
• Biofilm formation: Understanding biofilm formation by S. aureus and its impact on treatment outcomes and chronic infections.
• Host immune response: Study of host immune responses to S. aureus infections, including immune evasion strategies employed by the pathogen.
• Genomic adaptation: Analysis of genomic adaptations in S. aureus populations under selective pressures, shedding light on evolutionary dynamics and the emergence of new strains.

Prof. Dr. Richard George Douglas
Dr. Kristi Biswas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus)
• virulence factors
• pathogenesis
• host interactions
• biofilm formation
• antibiotic resistance