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This book provides deep insights into the ecology of the plague bacterium Yersinia pestis in natural foci, its diversity, genetic variability and the function of the vector, thus painting a holistic picture of how plague pandemics have evolved and how the bacterium has adapted perfectly to its environment over such a long period of time. The book reviews studies of several generations of scientists from the countries of the former Soviet Union where plague foci are found and presents them for the first time to a global audience. In addition, the book provides comprehensive information on historical plague pandemics and explores future strategies for managing the disease.

This book provides knowledge on the diversity of disease-causing microbes including bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoans—the major diseases they cause and the environmental factors that influence the occurrence, transmission and spread of microbes along with the epidemiological factors determining the occurrence of disease. The book mainly covers a broad spectrum of diseases infecting different organs of human and describes the microorganisms involved in the process. The diseases caused by parasites and helminths are also included in the text since the infective stages of parasites as well as helminths are microscopic in nature and need to be distinguished from bacterial infections by appropriate diagnosis.

Molecular Medical Microbiology, Third Edition presents the latest release in what is considered to be the first book to synthesize new developments in both molecular and clinical research. The molecular age has brought about dramatic changes in medical microbiology, along with great leaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of infectious disease. This third edition is completely updated, reviewed and expanded, providing a timely and helpful update for microbiologists, students and clinicians in the era of increasing use of molecular techniques, changing epidemiology and prevalence, and increasing resistance of many pathogenic bacteria. Written by experts in the field, chapters include cutting-edge information and clinical overviews for each major bacterial group, along with the latest updates on vaccine development, molecular technology and diagnostic technology. - Completely updated and revised edition of this comprehensive and accessible reference on molecular medical microbiology - Includes full color presentations throughout - Delves into in-depth discussions on individual pathogenic bacteria in a system-oriented approach - Includes a clinical overview for each major bacterial group - Presents the latest information on vaccine development, molecular technology and diagnostic technology - Provides more than 100 chapters on all major groups of bacteria

Antimicrobial resistance is recognised among the world's most challenging problems. Despite its global spread, Africa, specifically sub-Saharan Africa, is the most affected by this malaise. Poor living conditions and inadequate access to sanitation and potable water supplies are among contributing factors that have influenced a high disease burden on the continent, requiring extensive antimicrobials. Weak health systems and the absence of firm policies further aggravate the problem, as the use of antimicrobials is mostly unregulated. The increasing demand for animal protein to meet the starving populations'demands has also influenced the use of these antimicrobials, including those banned on other continents, for food animal production. The ripple effect of indiscriminate use in humans and animals is the massive discharge of antimicrobials, their residues, antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms and their associated genes into the environment. This 14-chapter unique masterpiece presents the AMR problem in African, addressing the various compartments of the One Health – humans, animals, and the environment, to illustrate the need for concerted efforts in the fight against AMR, especially in Africa. Authors from the four cardinal points present diverse aspects of AMR in Africa, starting with behavioural and social drivers of AMR in Africa. Antimicrobial stewardship in an African context is also discussed. AMR in humans is presented through studies on antibiotic-resistant neonates and nontyphoidal Salmonella infections and the clinical relevance of the genetics of viral resistance. Topics on AMR in mastitis, biosecurity in animal farming and the linkage between disinfectants and AMR are discussed. The environmental dimension of AMR is discussed, notably in the aquatic environment, and its implication for aquaculture and irrigation and using nanomaterials to treat polluted waters from such environments are highlighted. Finally, Africa's rich floral diversity is portrayed as an eco-friendly and cost-effective approach to combat AMR. Hopefully, the work presented will spur greater collaboration between scientists, environmental, animal and human health practitioners, the general population, and policymakers to assimilate and implement the One Health approach to combating AMR, rather than working in silos on their various sectors

Encyclopedia of Infection and Immunity, Four Volume Set provides new insights into the interactions between bacteria, fungi, parasites and their hosts. Specific areas of interest include host cellular and immune response to microbes, molecular mechanisms of action of beneficial microbes or host-associated microbial communities, microbial pathogenesis, virulence factors, experimental models of infection, host resistance or susceptibility, and the generation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Comprised of over 200 chapters written and edited by leading experts in the field, this book will serve as a key resource for students, researchers, academics and industry practitioners in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and infectious diseases. More than 100 years after Robert Koch and Louis Pasteur established the microbial etiology of communicable diseases, the field of microbiology is experiencing a second period of rapid growth and expansion, driven by the realization that changes in host-associated microbial communities might be at the root of a broad spectrum of noncommunicable human diseases. These advances follow on the heels of recent progress in high-throughput sequencing technology, which has provided a wealth of information on the human microbiome and its physiological potential. - 2023 PROSE Awards - Winner: Finalist: Reference Works – Biological and Life Sciences: Association of American Publishers - Offers a contemporary review of current infection and immunity research, and insights into the future direction of the field - Meticulously researched and cross-referenced to allow students, researchers and professionals to find relevant information quickly and easily - Includes chapters written by academics and practitioners from various fields and regions, ensuring that the knowledge within is easily understood by, and applicable to, a large audience

This book covers different aspects of biodegradable packaging, such as their sourcing and application in food industries. The book focuses on the production and characterization of biodegradable food packaging derived from plant, animal and microbial sources. Chapters highlight the nano-technological interventions in biodegradable food packaging and the less studied microbial biopolymer-based biodegradable food packaging makes it distinct from other related books. It includes the latest research and development in the areas of food processing, food packaging, material science and polymeric science. It also discusses the standards and regulatory guidelines about the biodegradability testing of these polymers.This book is meant for researchers in food science, food packaging, bioprocess technology, polymer science and biochemical engineering. It is also beneficial for faculty members and students of food microbiology, food technology, dairy technology.The book is also meant for small entrepreneurs and farmers who are interested in bio-plastic usage for food packaging.

This book focuses on threats, especially contaminants, to drinking water and the supply system, especially in municipalities but also in industrial and even residential settings. The safety, security, and suitability landscape can be described as dynamic and complex stemming from necessity and hence culpability due to the emerging threats and risks, vis-a-vis globalization resulting in new forms of contaminants being used due to new technologies. The book provides knowledge and guidance for engineers, scientists, designers, researchers, and students who are involved in water, sustainability, and study of security issues. This book starts out with basics of water usage, current statistics, and an overview ofwater resources. The book then introduces different scenarios of safety and security and areas that researchers need to focus. Following that, the book presents different types of contaminants – inadvertent, intentional, or incidental. The next section presents different methodologies of contamination sensing/detection and remediation strategies as per guidance and standards set globally. The book then concludes with selected chapters on water management, including critical infrastructure that is critical to maintaining safe water supplies to cities and municipalities. Each chapter includes descriptive information for professionals in their respective fields. The breadth of chapters offers insights into how science (physical, natural, and social) and technology can support new developments to manage the complexity resident within the evolving threat and risk landscape.

This is a comprehensive guide to single-stranded RNA phages (family Leviviridae), first discovered in 1961. These phages played a unique role in early studies of molecular biology, the genetic code, translation, replication, suppression of mutations. Special attention is devoted to modern applications of the RNA phages and their products in nanotechnology, vaccinology, gene discovery, evolutionary and environmental studies. Included is an overview of the generation of novel vaccines, gene therapy vectors, drug delivery, and diagnostic tools exploring the role of RNA phage-derived products in the revolutionary progress of the protein tethering and bioimaging protocols.Key Features Presents the first full guide to single-stranded RNA phages Reviews the history of molecular biology summarizing the role RNA phages in the development of the life sciences Demonstrates how RNA phage-derived products have resulted in nanotechnological applications Presents an up-to-date account of the role played by RNA phages in evolutionary and environmental studies

One of the most exciting developments in the field of bacterial pathogenesis in recent years is the discovery that many pathogens utilize complex nanomachines to deliver bacterially encoded effector proteins into eukaryotic and prokaryotic target cells to modulate a variety of cellular functions for the pathogen's benefit. These protein-delivery machines include the type III secretion system (T3SS), which is widespread in nature and encoded not only by bacteria pathogenic to vertebrates or plants, but also by bacteria that are symbiotic to plants or insects. Because they are essential virulence factors for many important human pathogens, these systems are emerging as a prime target for the development of new-generation, anti-infective drugs. This book reviews our current understanding of these intriguing injection machines as well as of the closely related T3SS that serves in flagella assembly. Individual chapters focus on regulation, assembly, structure, and function of the type III secretion machine and on the evolution of the secreted effector proteins. Given its scope, this book will appeal to a broad readership, including researchers and teachers in the fields of infectious diseases, host pathogen interactions, plant and animal pathogenesis, and symbiosis.

Phytoplasma III is the last of three books in the series covering all the aspects of phytoplasma-associated diseases. Phytoplasmas are a major limiting factor in the quality and productivity of many ornamental, horticultural and economically important agriculture crops worldwide, and losses due to phytoplasma diseases have disastrous consequences for farming communities. As there is no effective cure for these diseases, management strategies focus-on exclusion, minimizing their spread by insect vectors and propagation materials, and developing host plant resistance. This book provides an update on genomics, effectors and pathogenicity factors toward a better understanding of phytoplasma-host metabolic interactions. It offers a comprehensive overview of biological, serological and molecular characterization of the phytoplasmas, including recently developed approaches in diagnostics, such as transcriptomics studies, which have paved the way for analyzing the gene expression pattern in phytoplasmas on infection and revealed the up-regulation of genes associated with hormonal response, transcription factors, and signaling genes. Although phytoplasmas remain the most poorly characterized pathogens, recent studies have identified virulence factors that induce typical disease symptoms and have characterized the unique reductive evolution of the genome. Reviewing the advances in cultivation in axenic media together with the perspectives for future research to reduce the global incidence of these pathogens and the associated agricultural losses, the book is a valuable resource for plant pathologists, researchers in agriculture and PhD students.

Concise chapters, written by experts in the field, cover a wide spectrum of topics on lipid and membrane formation in microbes (Archaea, Bacteria, eukaryotic microbes).All cells are delimited by a lipid membrane, which provides a crucial boundary in any known form of life. Readers will discover significant chapters on microbial lipid-carrying biomolecules and lipid/membrane-associated structures and processes.

Bacterial Pathogens and their Virulence Factors contains a detailed description of 32 major bacterial pathogens that affect human health and their associated virulence determinants. Chapter 1 gives an overview of the different types and classes of general virulence factors involved in host cell adherence and invasion, dissemination within the host, host cell damage, and evasion of host defense systems, as well as mechanisms by which these virulence factors are regulated. Chapters 2 through 33 give concise descriptions of the disease states associated with the 32 bacterial genera and their major pathogenic species, along with an in-depth description of the individual virulence factors that have been found to be functionally involved in pathogenicity. A detailed bibliography derived from primary literature and review articles accompanies each of these chapters, allowing the reader to delve more deeply into individual pathogens and their virulence determinants. Chapter 34 discusses the exciting possibilities and initial successes of using detailed information on a pathogen's virulence toolkit to design new therapeutics aimed at specific virulence traits.

This book summarises the current knowledge on the role played by biologically relevant transition metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu and Mg) in the basic biology and virulence of bacterial pathogens from the genus Brucella. The authors explore the biological functions of these metals, how these bacteria compete with their mammalian hosts for these metals and how they avoid metal toxicity. Researchers and professionals studying zoonotic pathogens from the genus Brucella find this book valuable.

Foodborne illnesses continue to be a major public health concern. All members of a particular bacterial genera (e.g., Salmonella, Campylobacter) or species (e.g., Listeria monocytogenes, Cronobacter sakazakii) are often treated by public health and regulatory agencies as being equally pathogenic; however, this is not necessarily true and is an overly conservative approach to ensuring the safety of foods. Even within species, virulence factors vary to the point that some isolates may be highly virulent, whereas others may rarely, if ever, cause disease in humans. Hence, many food safety scientists have concluded that a more appropriate characterization of bacterial isolates for public health purposes could be by virotyping, i.e., typing food-associated bacteria on the basis of their virulence factors. The book is divided into two sections. Section I, “Foodborne Pathogens and Virulence Factors,” hones in on specific virulence factors of foodborne pathogens and the role they play in regulatory requirements, recalls, and foodborne illness. The oft-held paradigm that all pathogenic strains are equally virulent is untrue. Thus, we will examine variability in virulence between strains such as Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Cronobacter, etc. This section also examines known factors capable of inducing greater virulence in foodborne pathogens. Section II, “Foodborne Pathogens, Host Susceptibility, and Infectious Dose”, covers the ability of a pathogen to invade a human host based on numerous extraneous factors relative to the host and the environment. Some of these factors include host age, immune status, genetic makeup, infectious dose, food composition and probiotics. Readers of this book will come away with a better understanding of foodborne bacterial pathogen virulence factors and pathogenicity, and host factors that predict the severity of disease in humans.

This book summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) in the soil environment. It covers a wide range of topics to help readers understand antibiotics and ARGs in soils, the risks they pose for the environment, and options for effective control. In addition, it presents a range of essential tools and methodologies that can be used to address antibiotics and ARGs in a consistent, efficient, and cost-effective manner.Gathering contributions by international experts, the book addresses both theoretical aspects and practical applications.The topics discussed include antibiotics-producing microorganisms; the routes of entry and fate of antibiotics and resistance genes; biomonitoring approaches; dissemination of ARGs in soils; risk assessment; the impact of antibiotics and ARGs on the soil microbial community and other biota; bioremediation and biodegradation approaches; and soil management strategies for antibiotics and ARG-contaminated soils.As such, the book will be of interest to students, researchers and scholars in environmental science and engineering, toxicology, the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, environmental biotechnology, soil sciences, microbial ecology and plant biotechnology.Readers and Journals:1. This new volume on antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARGs) in the soil environment will be of interest to students, researchers and scholars in environmental science and engineering, toxicology, the medical and pharmaceutical sciences, environmental biotechnology, soil sciences,microbial ecology and plant biotechnology.2. The book will provide government authorities all over the world with effective strategies for the management of antibiotics and antibiotics resistance genes (ARG)- contaminated soil. 3. Gathering contributions by international experts,the book addresses both theoretical aspects and practical applications.

In light of the rapidity increasing incidence rate of bacterial and fungal infections with multi-resistant pathogens, the metabolic changes associated with host-pathogen interactions offer one of the most promising starting points for developing novel antibiotics.. Part one of this comprehensive guide describes the metabolic adaptation of pathogenic microbes in humans, while part two points to routes for the development of novel antibiotics. This is volume six of the book series on drug discovery in infectious diseases by Paul Selzer.

This book addresses nearly every aspect of Y. pestis, approaching it from a new perspective. Topics covered include the history, epidemiology, physiology, ecology, genome, evolution, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interaction, big-data-driven research, vaccines, clinical aspects and future research trends. For centuries, scientists have sought to determine where Y. pestis, the most well-known bacterium and one that has caused a number of high-mortality epidemics throughout human history, comes from, what it is and how it causes the disease. This book works to answer these questions with the help of cutting-edge research results. It not only describes the history of plagues, but also stresses plagues'effects on human civilization and explores the interaction of Y. pestis with hosts, vectors and the environment to reveal the evolution and pathogenesis. The book offers a valuable guide for researchers and graduate students studying Y. pestis, and will also benefit researchers from other fields, such as infectious diseases, other pathogens and system biology, sharing key insights into bacterial pathogen studies.

Advances in Microbial Physiology continues the long tradition of topical and important, cutting-edge reviews in microbiology. - Contains contributions from leading authorities - Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field of microbial physiology

The Comprehensive Sourcebook of Bacterial Protein Toxins, Fourth Edition, contains chapters written by internationally known and well-respected specialists. This book contains chapters devoted to individual toxins, as well as chapters that consider the different applications of these toxins. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the structure, function, interaction and trafficking into cells, as well as mechanism of action of toxins. Bacterial toxins are involved in the pathogenesis of many bacteria, some of which are responsible for severe diseases in human and animals, but can also be used as tools in cell biology to dissect cellular processes or used as therapeutic agents. Novel recombinant toxins are already proposed in the treatment of some diseases, as well as new vaccines. Alternatively, certain toxins are also considered as biological weapons or bioterrorism threats. Given the multifaceted aspects of toxin research and the multidisciplinary approaches adopted, toxins are of great interest in many scientific areas from microbiology, virology, cell biology to biochemistry and protein structure. This new edition is written with a multidisciplinary audience in mind and contains 5 new chapters that reflect the latest research in this area. Other chapters have been combined, deleted and fully revised as necessary to deliver relevant and valuable content. - Descriptions of relevant toxins as well as representative toxins of the main bacterial toxin families to allow for a better comparison between them - Focused chapters on toxin applications and common properties or general features of toxins

The molecular age has brought about dramatic changes in medical microbiology, and great leaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of infectious disease. Molecular Medical Microbiology is the first book to synthesise the many new developments in both molecular and clinical research in a single comprehensive resource. This timely and authoritative three-volume work is an invaluable reference source of medical bacteriology. Comprising more than 100 chapters, organized into 17 major sections, the scope of this impressive work is wide-ranging. Written by experts in the field, chapters include cutting-edge information, and clinical overviews for each major bacterial group, in addition to the latest updates on vaccine development, molecular technology and diagnostic technology. Topics covered include bacterial structure, cell function, and genetics; mechanisms of pathogenesis and prevention; antibacterial agents; and infections ranging from gastrointestinal to urinary tract, centrtal nervous system, respiratory tract, and more. - The first comprehensive and accessible reference on molecular medical microbiology - Full color presentation througout - In-depth discussion of individual pathogenic bacteria in a system-oriented approach - Includes a clinical overview for each major bacterial group - Presents the latest information on vaccine development, molecular technology, and diagnostic technology - More than 100 chapters covering all major groups of bacteria - Written by an international panel of authors who are experts in their respective disciplines

The book will cover the most important zoonoses with a public health impact and debate actual developments in this field from a One Health perspective. The outline of the book follows a “setting” approach, i.e. special settings of zoonoses with a public health aspect, rather than presenting a simple textbook of an encyclopedic character. Main chapters will deal with zoonoses in the food chain including a special focus on the emerging issue of antibiotic resistance, with zoonoses in domestic and pet animals, in wildlife animal species (including bats as an important infectious agent multiplier), influenza and tuberculosis as most prominent zoonoses, and zoonotic pathogens as bioterroristic agents. Special interest chapters debate non-resolved and currently hotly debated zoonoses (e.g. M. Crohn/paratuberculosis, chronic botulism) as well as the economic and ecological aspects of zoonoses.

This book describes how genomics has revolutionized our scientific understanding of agriculturally important plant-associated bacteria. Each chapter focuses on the genomics of particular bacteria: the first described plant pathogen, Erwinia amylovora; phytoplasmas lacking cell walls; fastidious, phloem-restricted liberibacters; Pseudomonas syringae, which is a genetically tractable model system; Xanthomonas citri, which causes a disease that can devastate citrus crops and Pseudomonas fluorescens, which can protect plants from diseases.Topics considered in this volume include the importance of horizontal gene transfer in originating new bacterial strains and species and advances in transcriptomics that allow us to describe the complex regulatory networks critical to plant-microbe interactions. The availability of the Xanthomonas oryzae genome has led to new technologies in genome editing, which will revolutionize approaches to genetic engineering, even in eukaryotes. The contributions show how genomics has greatly accelerated progress toward understanding the biology of these bacteria and how that understanding can be translated into novel crop protection methods.

Membranes are pivotal components of life acting as formidable insulators that demarcate a living cell, generate energy in the form of ion gradients, transport ions, proteins, nucleic acids, nutrients and metabolites, and provide transduction systems to sense the environment and to communicate with other cells. Membranes also provide shape and structure to cells and are important in cell motility. In addition they fulfil a scaffolding function for proteins and organelles that interact with the extracellular environment.Written by specialists in the field, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the structural and molecular biology of cellular processes that occur at or near bacterial membranes. The authors present and discuss recent progress on the function and involvement of membranes in bacterial physiology enabling a greater understanding of the molecular details of the cell envelope, its biogenesis and function. Topics covered include: cell wall growth, shape and division, the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria, outer membrane protein biosynthesis, bacterial lipoproteins, mycobacteria, lipid composition, ABC transporters, transport across the outer membrane, drug passage across membranes, bacterial membrane proteins, secretion systems, signal transduction, signalling mechanisms, bacterial membranes in adhesion and pathogenesis, and membranes as a drug target.This cutting-edge text will provide a valuable resource for all those working in this field and is recommended for all microbiology libraries.

For bacteria...'the times are achanging'... The genomes of over 60 different bacteria have now been sequenced, and we know a lot about the important research organism Escherichia coli, the important industrial organism Bacillus subtilis, and about important plant and human pathogens. It will not take long before we know all the gene products and their functions of a few of these bacteria. Some of us already begin to think about a digital model E. coli or Bacillus cell. For that end we need to know all the physiological activities and metabolic routes of the cell. But in addition we like to know how things work at the molecular level and how protein and membranes as well as other (macromolecular) structures work together to carry out specific cell functions. Protein Secretion Pathways in Bacteria describes all the known folding and targeting routes of inner and outer membrane proteins as well as of proteins that are secreted by several specific export routes. The book gives detailed molecular information about the structures that are important for the different mechanisms involved. This is a valuable contribution to the understanding of how rather simple and yet complex bacterial cells work.

Brucella is a genus of Gram-negative, facultative, intracellular bacteria that are highly pathogenic for a variety of mammals, including humans. Recently the WHO cited brucellosis to be the world's most widespread zoonosis. An important feature of the pathogenicity of these organisms is their ability to survive and replicate within the host macrophages. However the mechanism for this is unclear. In addition, none of the classical bacterial virulence factors found in other bacterial pathogens have been found in the genomes of the forty Brucella species and biovars analysed to date. Nevertheless the application of systems biology approaches in recent years has transformed research, permitting fascinating new insights into Brucella molecular biology and genomics. Written by highly acclaimed Brucella scientists, this book comprehensively reviews the most important advances in the field. Opening chapters focus on genetic diversity within Brucella, covering both classical and new species. Particular emphasis is given to how comparative genomics has led to advances in molecular diagnostics, taxonomy and phylogeny. Following chapters cover proteomic analysis, transcriptomic analysis, the VirB type IV secretion system, signalling complexes, e.g. the BvrR/BvrS two-component regulatory system and quorum sensing. These chapters highlight the intricate interplay between factors involved in virulence. Another chapter discusses the role of the Brucella cell envelope in bacterial virulence and evasion of host defences. The final two chapters review the current strategies for the development of novel antibacterial agents and improved vaccines. This volume is essential reading for everyone with an interest in Brucella and brucellosis. It is also recommended reading for the wider body of scientists, veterinarians and MDs with an interest in microbial diagnostics, microbial pathogenesis, host-parasite interactions, cellular microbiologists and immunologists and vaccine development scientists.

This is the highly anticipated third edition of a book written by the Working Party on Culture Media of the International Committee on Food Microbiology and Hygiene. It is a handy reference for microbiologists wanting to know which media to use for the detection of various groups of microbes in foods and how to check the performance of the media. The book is divided into two parts and concentrates on media for water as well as food microbes - selecting those which have been evaluated and shown to function optimally. The first part consists of a series of chapters written by various experts from all over the world, reviewing the media designed to detect the major groups of microbes important in food spoilage, food fermentations and food-borne disease. The history and rationale of the selective agents and indicator systems used, as well as the relative merits of the various media are surveyed by reference to the scientific literature. The second part contains monographs on almost 100 of the media considered most useful. Each monograph, written in the style of a pharmacopoeia, includes: a short section on the history and selective principle of the medium; a method for its preparation from basic ingredients; its appearance and physical properties, including pH; its shelf-life; instructions concerning method of inoculation, incubation and interpretation; the recommended method(s) and a list of test strains suitable for assessing the quality (productivity and selectivity) of the medium and a description of the typical appearance of the target organism.

Three members of the genus Yersinia are important human pathogens, causing diseases ranging from the deadly Plague (Yersinia pestis) to a relatively mild gastroenteritis (Y. enterocolitica and Y. pseudotuberculosis). Plague, a re-emerging disease, is endemic in many parts of the world. The extraordinary pathogenicity of Y. pestis makes it a potential bioterrorist weapon. On the other hand, the two enteropathogenic Yersinia species represent the third most common bacterial cause of gastroenteritis in Europe and probably elsewhere, although their prevalence is largely underestimated. This and the emergence of antibiotic resistant Y. pestis in recent years highlight the urgency to understand the mechanisms of pathogenicity and the need to devise new strategies for the prevention and control of human pathogenic Yersinia. In this book, leading Yersinia researchers review the hot topics in the systems biology and control of these important bacteria. Topics include: transcriptome analysis of the bacterial response to the host and of the host response to a Yersinia infection; proteome analysis of the bacterial and host responses; treatment and antibiotic resistance; vaccines; surveillance and control. Essential reading for everyone working on Yersinia and related organisms and recommended reading for researchers interested in biodefence, microbial genomics and the evolution of microbial virulence.

To survive adverse and fluctuating conditions, microorganisms possess mechanisms to recognise diverse environmental changes and mount an appropriate response. Microorganisms frequently react simultaneously to a wide variety of stresses and the various stress response systems interact with each other by a complex of global regulatory networks. Stress response systems can play an important role in the virulence of pathogenic organisms. In this book, expert authors from around the world summarise the current knowledge on microbial stress response and comprehensively review the recent findings that have greatly advanced the understanding of stress response systems. Each chapter is devoted to a particular organism or group of organisms including Gram-negative bacteria, Streptococcus,Neisseria, Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella, Yersinia, Vibrio, Mycobacterium, mycoplasmas, yeast, Plasmodium falciparum, Toxoplasma gondii, Leishmania, Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Entamoeba histolytica. In addition to providing an up-to-date review of current trends the authors also describe the challenges for future research and provide comprehensive reference sections. The volume represents a major collection of information and knowledge across a wide range of microorganisms and is essential reading for anyone with an interest in stress response. A highly recommended book for anyone interested in stress response, regulatory networks, environmental microbiology or the pathogenicity of microorganisms.

Written by authorities from various related specialties, this book presents the most complete treatment possible of the conditions responsible for water- and sanitation-related diseases, the pathogens and their biology, morbidity and mortality resulting from lack of safe water and sanitation, distribution of these diseases, and the conditions that must be met to reduce or eradicate them. Preventive measures and solutions are presented throughout. This book is an essential resource for all graduate students, postdoctoral scholars, and professionals in infectious disease, public health and medicine, chemical and environmental engineering, and international affairs. Key features: Provides a comprehensive understanding of the interconnection among many factors related to water-related diseases, sanitation and hygiene Brings together experts from various specialties to address each area covered and to assist in bringing about the understanding of those interconnections Provides examples of successful interventions with knowledge about how they were brought about so that information can be use to replicate the initiative in full or in part Provides an appreciation of the concerns and solutions addressed from an international perspective with high and low technological solutions Provides insight into the international dimension of these concerns and how they can be best addressed

As more original molecular protocols and subsequent modifications are described in the literature, it has become difficult for those not directly involved in the development of these protocols to know which are most appropriate to adopt for accurate identification of bacterial pathogens. Molecular Detection of Human Bacterial Pathogens addresses th

The ability of pathogenic bacteria to adapt to various chemical, biochemical and physical conditions within the human host and their ability to respond to stresses generated in these environments is a central feature of infectious diseases and the outcome of bacterial infection. This book covers the key aspects of this rapidly developing field, including the generation of stresses by the host immune system, bacterial response to reactive chemicals, and adaptation to environmental conditions of anatomical niches such as the gut, mouth and urogenital tract. It also addresses the increasing importance of different metal ions in the pathogenesis and survival of specific bacteria. With chapters by active research experts in the field, the book provides a comprehensive outline of the current understanding of this field, the latest developments and where future research is likely to be directed.

The OHOLO conferences are sponsored by the Israel Institute for Biological Research and take their name from the site of the?rst meeting on the shores of Lake Kinnereth. The purpose of these meetings is, as it was at their inception over 50 years ago, “to foster interdisciplinary communication between scientists in Israel, and to provide added stimulus by the participation of invited scientists from abroad”. The core of the organizers of the OHOLO conferences are scientists from the Israel Institute for Biological Research. From time to time a particular OHOLO conference cooperates with an international scienti?c organization. The present 46th OHOLO Conference marks the resumption of the OHOLO tradition after 8 years of interruption caused by events beyond our control. It is my belief that our uncomp- mising commitment to excellence in research and development in the various areas of science in Israel is essential to our survival in this troubled region. The OHOLO conference tradition is a re?ection of this conviction. The present 46th OHOLO Conference entitled: The Challenge of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms – Mechanisms of Virulence and Novel Medical Countermeasures intends to address the unique virulence features and ho- pathogen interactions of microorganisms constituting emerging biothreat with emphasis on Y. pestis, B. anthracis, F. tularensis and Orthopox viruses. Accordingly we selected classical microbiological as well as genomic, proteomic & transcr- tomic approaches towards developments of novel prophylactic and post-exposure treatment, as well as updated strategies of diagnostics and bioforensics.

While the vast majority of our food supplies are nutritious and safe, foodborne pathogen-related illness still affects millions of people each year. Large outbreaks of foodborne diseases- such as the recent salmonella outbreak linked to various peanut butter products- continue to be reported with alarming frequency.All-Encompassing Guide to Detecti

Paris is a cosmopolitan city where roaring life, wonderful museums and excellent science can be found. It was during the XI IUMS conference held in this city that the Pseudomonas book series was?rst envisaged. On the?rst row of the auditorium sat a group of outstanding scientists in the?eld, who after devoting much of their valuable time, contributed in an exceptional manner to the?rst three volumes of the series, which saw the light simultaneously. The volumes were grouped under the generic titles of “Vol. I. Pseudomonas: Genomics, Life Style and Molecular Architecture”, Vol. II. Pseudomonas: Virulence and gene regulation; Vol. III. Pseudomonas: Biosynthesis of Macromolecules and Molecular Metabolism. Soon after the completion of the?rst three volumes, a rapid search for ar- cles containing the word Pseudomonas in the title in the last 10 years produced over 6,000 articles! Consequently, not all possible topics relevant to this genus were covered in the three?rst volumes. Since then two other volumes were p- lished: Pseudomonas volume IV edited by Roger Levesque and Juan L. Ramos that came to being with the intention of collecting some of the most relevant emerging new issues that had not been dealt with in the three previous volumes. This v- ume was arranged after the Pseudomonas meeting organized by Roger Levesque in Quebec (Canada). It dealt with various topics grouped under a common heading: “Pseudomonas: Molecular Biology of Emerging Issues”.

Published since 1959, Advances in Applied Microbiology continues to be one of the most widely read and authoritative review sources in microbiology. The series contains comprehensive reviews of the most current research in applied microbiology. Recent areas covered include bacterial diversity in the human gut, protozoan grazing of freshwater biofilms, metals in yeast fermentation processes and the interpretation of host-pathogen dialogue through microarrays. Eclectic volumes are supplemented by thematic volumes on various topics, including Archaea and sick building syndrome. Impact factor for 2007: 1.821. - Contributions from leading authorities and industry experts - Informs and updates on all the latest developments in the field - Reference and guide for scientists and specialists involved in advancements in applied microbiology

Megaplasmids are extrachromosomal genetic elements in the size range of 100 kb and larger. They are found in physiologically and phylogenetically diverse groups of bacteria and archaea. By definition, megaplasmids are not essential for the viability of their hosts under all growth conditions, but paradoxically many megaplasmids carry the genetic information for the defining and characteristic traits of the organism in which they reside. Microbial Megaplasmids reviews our knowledge of the extensively studied representatives, such as the catabolic plasmids of the pseudomonads, the rhizobial Sym plasmids, the Ti plasmids of the genus Agrobacterium and the giant enterobacterial virulence plasmids. It also presents snapshots of more recently discovered megaplasmids. The contribution of megaplasmids to the biology of their hosts is described, highlighting the interactions between megaplasmid and chromosomal genes.

Achievements and progress in genome mapping and the genomics of microbes supersede by far those for higher plants and animals, in part due to their enormous economic implication but also smaller genome size. In the post-genomic era, whole genome sequences of animal-associated microbes are providing clues to depicting the genetic basis of the complex host-pathogen relationships and the evolution of parasitism; and to improving methods of controlling pathogens. This volume focuses on a globally important group of intracellular prokaryotic pathogens which affect livestock animals. These include Brucella, Mycobacterium, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, as well as the protozoan pathogens Cryptosporidium and Theileria, for which genome sequence data is available. Insights from comparative genomics of the microbes described provide clues to the adaptation involved in host-microbe interactions, as well as resources potentially useful for application in future research and product development.

In 1993, Rolf Bodmer described a gene he named tinman that was required for the formation of the dorsal aorta of the fly. Flies without a functional tinman gene had no heart. Quickly, mammalian counterparts of the tinman gene were identified and found to be expressed by early cardiomyogenic precursors and by cardiomyocytes throughout heart development. Since then, significant progress has been made in the understanding of molecular and genetic determinants of heart formation. An ever growing number of genes have been identified that are required for cardiogenesis, as evidenced by severe abnormalities in cardiac development produced by inactivation in the mouse or inhibition of gene function in other model organisms. Cardiovascular Development covers some of the latest research in the study of heart formation. Volume Editor Rolf Bodmer has assembled a world-class list of contributors whose research uses a variety of animal models and whose findings are certain to enhance our understanding of this exciting field.• Ties together the development of heart morphology and conduction system • The latest developments in vertebrate and invertebrate genetic model systems• Technological advancements in cardiovascular science

Real-time PCR has established itself as a sensitive and specific qualitative and quantitative technique that has become important to all areas of microbiology. This invaluable book describes and explains some of the more complex aspects of real-time PCR presenting a background for the novice, a theoretical reference for the experienced user, and useful discussions of future developments. Chapters address the basics of PCR history, oligonucleotide design, target preparation, standardisation, quantification, various applications, and future challenges. The final chapter is presented in the format of a roundtable discussion providing an insightful, topical and interesting discourse with contributions from over 30 authorities and experts on real-time PCR. The editor and authors have produced an excellent book that will be extremely useful for all microbiologists. A recommended book for all microbiology laboratories.

The 9th International Symposium on Yersinia was held in Lexington, Kentucky, USA on October 10-14, 2006. Over 250 Yersinia researchers from 18 countries gathered to present and discuss their research. In addition to 37 oral presentations, there were 150 poster presentations. This Symposium volume is based on selected presentations from the meeting and contains both reviews and research articles. It is divided into six topic areas: 1) genomics; 2) structure and metabolism; 3) regulatory mechanisms; 4) pathogenesis and host interactions; 5) molecular epidemiology and detection; and 6) vaccine and antimicrobial therapy development. Consequently, this volume covers a wide range of current research areas in the Yersinia field.

In Foodborne Diseases, leading authorities present a broad overview of the microbial pathogens and toxins associated with foodborne illness while discussing pathogenicity, clinical epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The chapters of this volume cover a wide variety of bacterial pathogens, viruses, protozoans, and parasites, as well as microbial toxins, and also address alternatives to antibiotics, risk assessment, irradiation and other sanitation procedures, and molecular techniques for detecting foodborne pathogens. Additionally, the acclaimed authors discuss pathogen control strategies and look toward future innovations in food safety technology. Covering essential foodborne pathogens, assessment and treatment, Foodborne Diseases is an essential reference for infectious disease specialists, microbiologists, and industrial and research-based scientists in food safety.

All forms of life depend on a variety of heavy metal ions. Nearly one-third of all gene products require a metal ion for proper folding or function. However, even metals generally regarded as non-poisonous are toxic at higher concentrations, including the essential ones. Thus, sensitive regulation of metal uptake, storage, allocation and detoxification is needed to maintain cellular homeostasis of heavy metal ions. Molecular Microbiology of Heavy Metals includes chapters on allocation of metals in cells, metal transporter, storage and metalloregulatory proteins, cellular responses to metal ion stress, transcription of genes involved in metal ion homeostasis, uptake of essential metals, metal efflux and other detoxification mechanisms. Also discussed are metal bioreporters for the nanomolar range of concentration and tools to address the metallome. Chapters in the second part cover specific metals such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Zn and Mo as key nutrient elements and Ag, As, Cd, Hg and Cr as toxic elements.

Steding's and Virágh's Scanning Electron Microscopy Atlas of the Developing Human Heart comprises a complete and extensive exposure of the spatial and temporal aspects of human cardiac development as seen with scanning electron microscopy. Apart from serving as a unique overview on cardiac development in the human embryo, this atlas gives an updated morphological reference of cardiac embryology for topographic correlation and enables the projection of experimental results in animals to the human situation. Steding's and Virágh's Scanning Electron Microscopy Atlas of the Developing Human Heart offers a readily accessible reference aid for scientists working in the fields of molecular, biochemical, genetic and morphological investigation of cardiac development. Additionally, it serves as a helpful tool in the education of medical students, clinicians, pathologists and geneticists.

The application of new molecular methodologies in the study of bacterial behaviour and cell architecture has enabled new revolutionary insights and discoveries in these areas. While this has also raised a number of scientific mysteries about bacteria, it certainly improved our understanding of these organisms as complex and adaptive entities rather than just simple tiny buckets of enzymes. The value of this recent knowledge in bacterial physiology is not only restricted to fundamental biology, but it also extends to biotechnology and drug-discovery disciplines where understanding cell behaviour and structure is essential for better exploitation of useful bacteria and effective eradication of harmful ones. This makes a new text accommodating recent developments in bacterial physiology highly relevant to a wide range of readership including those interested in basic and applied knowledge.

Ever since my days in veterinary school, I was fascinated with the field of microbiology. I always wondered how such a small microscopic organisms are capable of causing infections in other living organisms; big or small, young or old, and healthy or immunocompromised. The subject captured my imagi- tion. Many of the same microorganisms that cause diseases in animals also infect humans. In recent days, pathogens of animal origin impose even greater concern with increasing threat of avian influenza to cause pandemic, and spread of deadly bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease) and many bacterial pathogens such as Listeria, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter. I am especially intrigued by the cunning strategy pat- gens employ for their survival in a host and their exploitation of host cellular machinery to promote their own invasion into the host. Pathogenic mechanism is complex and unraveling that process requires great minds. Today, mic- biologists, cell biologists, and immunologists employing many sophisticated molecular tools are unraveling that secret at a very fast pace. Thus it requires a great deal of efforts to compile and update information in a textbook and it was rather a monumental task. My goal with this book was to paint a bigger picture of pathogenic mechanism of foodborne pathogens, which are responsible for many of modern day outbreaks, and diseases worldwide, and narrate the subject with easy to comprehend illustrations.

Species of the Bordetella genus are the causative agents of pertussis or whooping cough. It is almost twenty years since the last book totally devoted to Bordetella was published. Since then, research on Bordetella has made extensive use of molecular biology approaches, including genomics and post-genomics, and an enormous amount of new information has become available. World-wide, pertussis still kills between 200,000 and 400,000 children each year, and the disease still ranks 6th among the causes of death due to infection. A more profound molecular understanding of Bordetella may ultimately help to better control the disease. This book gathers the contributions of the world's most knowledgeable investigators on the various aspects of Bordetella molecular biology. The chapters cover comparative genomics, molecular epidemiology, genetic regulation, molecular characterisation of important virulence factors, including adhesins, toxins, secretion systems, Bordetella phages, molecular aspects of bacterial physiology, and applications in biotechnology and vaccine research. The book is written by 28 scientists from ten different countries, all actively working in the field. The chapters cover a broad spectrum of Bordetella-related issues with a focus on molecular aspects. An essential book for anyone interested in Bordetella, pertussis, whooping cough, bacterial pathogenesis and vaccine development.

Infectious diseases caused by bacterial pathogens are a leading cause of human illness and death worldwide. The study of bacterial pathogenesis has changed dramatically over the last decade, as a result of revolutionary changes in biotechnology and our understanding of molecular and cellular biological systems. This volume is structured to emphasize paradigms of infectious disease that have emerged over the last 10 years and provides a fundamental understanding of the complex cellular and molecular processes that are important for bacterial virulence and the infectious disease process. The book highlights key techniques and methodologies that have driven recent discoveries in bacterial pathogenesis, major structures and mechanisms in bacteria that are important for their pathogenesis, the regulation of these virulence determinants by global regulators, and bacterial biowarfare agents.

The first bacterial genome, Haemophilus influenzae, was completely sequenced, annotated, and published in 1995. Today, more than 200 prokaryotic (archaeal and bacterial) genomes have been completed and over 500 prokaryotic genomes are in va- ous stages of completion. Seventeen eukaryotic genomes plus four eukaryotic chro- somes have been completed. The concept of achieving better understanding of an organism through knowledge of the complete genomic sequence was first demonstrated in 1978 when the first bacteriophage genome, X174, was sequenced. Complete genomic sequences of prokaryotes have led to a better understanding of the biology and evolution of the microbes, and, for pathogens, facilitated identification of new vaccine candidates, putative virulence genes, targets for antibiotics, new strategy for rapid diagnosis, and investigation of bacteria–host interactions and disease mec- nisms. Recent increased interest in microbial pathogens and infectious diseases is largely attributed to the re-emergence of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, emergence of new infectious diseases like AIDS and severe acute respiratory syndrome, the problem of an increasing rate of emergence of antibiotic-resistant variants of pathogens, and the fear of bioterrorism. Microbes are highly diverse and abundant in the biosphere. Less than 1% of these morphologically identified microbes can be cultured in vitro using standard techniques and conditions. With such abundance of microbes in nature, we can expect to see new variants and new species evolve and a small number will emerge as pathogens to humans.

The true extent of prokaryote diversity, encompassing the spectrum of variability among bacteria, remains unknown. Current research efforts focus on understanding why prokaryote diversification occurs, its underlying mechanisms, and its likely impact. The dynamic nature of the prokaryotic world, and continuing advances in the technological tools available make this an important area and hence this book will appeal to a wide variety of microbiologists. Its coverage ranges from studies of prokaryotes in specialized environmental niches to broad examinations of prokaryote evolution and diversity, and the mechanisms underlying them. Topics include: bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract, unculturable organisms in the mouth and in the soil, organisms from extreme environments, the diversity of archaea and their phages, comparative genomics and the emergence of pathogens, the spread of genomic islands between clinical and environmental organisms, minimal genomes needed for life, horizontal gene transfer, phenotypic innovation, and patterns and extent of biodiversity.