History is witness to the role of women in infectious diseases. There are numerous examples of the contributions of women in medicine, beginning with Rosalind Franklin who discovered the structure of DNA and viruses to Elizabeth Blackwell who was the first woman physician in United States. We have certainly come a long way through long standing biases and gender stereotypes.
It is my pleasure to introduce you to this issue of Expert Review of Anti-Infective Therapy in which a group of internationally recognized women who have made significant contributions to infectious diseases and microbiology discuss a range of topics.
In this issue we will explore a wide range of topics, ranging from the treatment of neonatal ocular prophylaxis to new treatment strategies for otitis media, and the treatment of Clostridiodes difficile in the elderly [Citation1–3]. Review articles span topics from the evolution of anti-fungals for invasive mold infections in immunocompromised hosts, to a historical perspective on the classification of B lactamases [Citation4,Citation5]. We are also taken through the fascinating and novel science of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and the impact on the unborn child [Citation6]. Furthermore, we provide an insight into a career in infectious diseases, with an interview from Professor Laura Piddock, scientific director of the Global Antibiotic Research and Development Partnership [Citation7]. These incredible female scientists have done a phenomenal job reviewing each of these fascinating topics.
It is almost 20 years since the International Conference on Women and Infectious Diseases [Citation8] was convened by Marian McDonald and colleagues to discuss a wide range of topics across more than 30 sessions. The Conclusion of the meeting espoused ‘With the continuation of such efforts, the newly spotlighted female face of infectious diseases can also be the face of hope and progress.’
The world of infectious diseases is vast and is changing rapidly with the emergence of new infections, and antimicrobial resistance. Women have contributed immensely to this field and this issue is a testament to their dedication, enthusiasm and talent. This issue is indeed a special one.
Declaration of interest
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or material discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or mending, or royalties.
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References
- Franco S, Hammerschlag MR. Neonatal ocular prophylaxis in the United States: is it still necessary? Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther. 2023. DOI:10.1080/14787210.2023.2172401
- Frost H, El Feghaly RE, Nedved A, et al. New insights into the treatment of otitis media. Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther. 2023;1–12.
- Archbald-Pannone L. How do we best manage clostridioides difficle infections in the elderly? Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther. 2023. DOI:10.1080/14787210.2023.2158814
- Weiss ZF, Little J, Hammond S. Evolution of antifungals for invasive mold infections in immunocompromised hosts, then and now. Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther. 2023. DOI:10.1080/14787210.2023.2207821
- Bush K. Classification for β-lactamases: historical perspectives. Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther. 2023. DOI:10.1080/14787210.2023.2194633
- Gabrielli L, Piccirilli G, Petrisli E, et al. What is the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy on child immunity? Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther. 2022. DOI:10.1080/14787210.2022.2151436
- Piddock L. An interview with Laura Piddock - by Felicity Poole, commissioning editor. Exp Rev Anti-Infective Ther. 2023. DOI:10.1080/14787210.2023.2168330
- McDonald M, Anker M, Deal C, et al. Proceedings of the first International Conference on women and infectious diseases. February 27-28, 2004. Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Emerg Infect Dis. 2004 Nov;10(11):1963–2036. PMID: 16010728; PMCID: PMC3329007.