Comment

The WHO fungal priority pathogens list exposes critical diagnostic gaps in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where limited access to rapid, affordable tests hinders timely treatment. To reduce mortality, LMICs must urgently invest in laboratory capacity, training and point-of-care diagnostics, especially for fungal diseases associated with HIV (cryptococcosis, Pneumocystis pneumonia and histoplasmosis), tuberculosis (chronic pulmonary aspergillosis), hospital-acquired candidiasis and the fungal neglected tropical diseases.

Despite the global burden of HIV-1, the majority of sequence data and research remain disproportionately focused on subtype B, primarily circulating in the global north. Sub-Saharan Africa, the epicentre of HIV-1 genetic diversity and prevalence, requires increased representation in sequencing efforts and regionally led research to inform effective interventions.

Mitigating climate change requires innovative solutions, and microorganisms, combined with artificial intelligence, can help. This Comment explores artificial intelligence strategies aimed at supporting and improving the development of microbial technologies for climate change action.

This Comment highlights the challenges and rewards of researchers working in resource-limited settings, specifically Thailand, and provides potential solutions to help Thai researchers overcome these difficulties.

A strategic dialogue on ‘gender justice in the HIV response’ held at the 25th International AIDS Conference highlighted how bias and discrimination against women and girls in all their diversities disadvantages them in the HIV response. Ending AIDS requires increased participation and leadership by diverse women at all levels of the HIV response.

This paper is a call to action. By publishing concurrently across journals like an emergency bulletin, we are not merely making a plea for awareness about climate change. Instead, we are demanding immediate, tangible steps that harness the power of microbiology and the expertise of researchers and policymakers to safeguard the planet for future generations.

Antibacterial drug resistance is a critical global health issue that affects countries across all economic levels, though it disproportionately affects populations in low- and middle-income countries. Infection and resistance rates vary considerably, necessitating tailored interventions to meet the specific demands of each area. This underscores the need for global solidarity and national accountability in effectively addressing antibacterial drug resistance.

Improving access to antibiotics will save lives and reduce the rise and spread of drug-resistant infections. Instead of traditional ‘last mile’ global health solutions, global leaders need to support efforts to develop suitable antibiotics and their rational use, ensuring that countries have the capacity to make them available.

A WHO report suggests the terms ‘airborne transmission/inhalation’, ‘direct deposition’ and ‘infectious respiratory particles’ for describing transmission modes, highlighting the continuum of particle size with greatest exposure near the source. The report did not update infection control guidelines.

This Comment article highlights the progress that has been made over the past 40 years since the discovery of HIV, and discusses the commitment needed to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and the ongoing challenges.

The forthcoming UN summit marks the halfway point to 2030 and presents an important milestone in global efforts to address various challenges, including those related to climate change and environmental preservation. The UN SDGs include several related to microorganisms and climate change. Microbiology research is key to understanding and mitigating climate change, and in maintaining the health of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems (SDGs 13, 14 and 15).

Infectious diseases markedly influence progress towards the SDGs. Pandemics and global inequity have hindered progress towards the health targets, highlighting humanity’s interconnectedness and shared vulnerability to new infectious agents. Enhanced global collaboration and partnerships in training, surveillance, research and innovation are essential to reach the health SDGs by 2030.

The human microbiome has a crucial role in global health, with implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Understanding and harnessing the potential of the microbiome, while recognizing its link to the global ecosystem, can drive innovative strategies for improved public health, and promote sustainable development.

African microbiomes are much neglected and previous studies have disproportionately focused on the Global North. Africa harbours substantial genetic diversity in terms of its ecosystems, humans and animals. In this Comment, we highlight the lack of information regarding microbiome datasets from Africa and propose mechanisms for increasing microbiome research in Africa.

Shigella spp. that are resistant to almost all antimicrobial classes are increasing in prevalence and becoming globally dominant. The situation is critical and highlights a trend that is mirrored by other enteric bacterial pathogens. New interventions to prevent and treat these infections are essential to tackle a potential public health catastrophe.

Decades of coronavirus research and intense studies of SARS-CoV-2 since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to an unprecedented level of knowledge of coronavirus biology and pathogenesis, yet many outstanding questions remain. Here, we discuss knowledge gaps and research priorities in the field.

Invasive fungal diseases are on the increase globally. The World Health Organization fungal priority pathogens list highlights fungi of critical or high importance to human health and provides pathways for action. The report calls for improved surveillance (diagnostics and antifungal resistance monitoring), research and innovation (implementation research) and public-health interventions.

Although numerous tick-borne viruses are seemingly apathogenic in humans, a number of emerging tick-borne viruses have been recently identified to possess human-infection potential, with more yet to be discovered. Here, we call for greater research efforts to better delineate their precise disease burden and threats posed to global public health.

Sewage surveillance could provide information on the resistance situation in the underlying population and on environmental transmission risks. There are opportunities to make such surveillance data more informative and actionable, but there are also challenges.

Global COVID-19 vaccine equity remains aspirational for much of the world. But the emergence of rapidly evolving SARS-CoV-2 variants provides new opportunities to correct past public policies, support local vaccine production and combat rising anti-vaccine aggression.