Over the last decade, interest in mycoplasmas has been greatly sti- lated by the spread of contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP), caused by Mycoplasma mycoides subsp. mycoides SC, in Europe and Africa and the discovery of a possible association between mycoplasmas and AIDS. During this period there has also been a recognition by control authorities and int- national organizations, including the Office International des Epizooties, that mycoplasmas are major causes of economic loss in livestock and continue to be a problem in humans as a result of a range of chronic respiratory and urogenital diseases. However, it is likely that the true significance of my- plasmas is still underestimated because of the difficulties in working with these extremely fastidious microorganisms. Advances in such laboratory technology as DNA amplification has enabled the detection of unrecoverable mycoplasmas in tissue samples and this will provide us with a better understanding of their role in disease. Important developments have also been seen in more conv- tional areas such as serological tests and media formulation enabling improved recovery and identification. Mycoplasma Protocols provides in a single volume up-to-date and easy-- follow methods for the detection, isolation, identification, and characterization of mycoplasmas, with a major emphasis on those of medical and veterinary significance. It also includes biochemical, genetic, and molecular techniques that will form the basis of understanding pathogenicity and, particularly, - hesion to host cells.

Foods fermented with lactic acid bacteria are an important part of the human diet. Lactic acid bacteria play an essential role in the preservation of food raw materials and contribute to the nutritional, organoleptic, and health properties of food products and animal feed. The importance of lactic acid bacteria in the production of foods throughout the world has resulted in a continued scientific interest in these micro-organisms over the last two decades by academic research groups as well as by industry. This research has resulted in a number of important scientific breakthroughs and has led to new applications. The most recent of these advances is the establishment of the complete genome sequences of a number of different lactic acid bacterial species.

To communicate and stimulate the research on lactic acid bacteria and their applications, a series of tri-annual symposia on lactic acid bacteria was started in 1983 under the auspices of the Netherlands Society for Microbiology (NVVM), which was later also supported by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS). The aim of these state-of-the-art symposia is to offer a unique platform for universities, institutes, and industry in this area of biotechnology, to present recent work, to obtain information on new developments, and to exchange views with colleagues from all over the world on scientific progress and applications. The growing number of participants at these symposia has been a clear demonstration of the interest of the international industrial and scientific community in this area of research.

The 7th Symposium is based on a number of plenary lectures that review the scientific progress of the last years in the different areas of research on lactic acid bacteria, and which are documented in this special issue of Antonie van Leeuwenhoek.

Genetic investigations and manipulations of bacteria and bacteriophage have made vital contributions to our basic understanding of living cells and to the development of molecular biology and biotechnology. This volume is a survey of the genetics of bacteria and their viruses, and it provides students with a comprehensive introduction to this rapidly changing subject. The book is written for upper level undergraduates and beginning graduate students, particularly those who have had an introductory genetics course.

The fifth edition has been extensively revised to reflect recent advances in the field. The book now has a reader-friendly look, with end-of-chapter questions, "Thinking Ahead" and "Applications" boxes to challenge students comprehension and insights. A complete glossary of commonly used terms has been revised and expanded.

Entomopathogenic bacteria (Bacillus thuringiensis and B. sphaericus) are increasingly used as biopesticides to control larval insect populations which are either agricultural or forestry pests and to reduce those which as adults are vectors of severe human diseases. This new book, the first since 1993 to address all aspects of entomopathogenic bacteria, provides undergraduate and graduate students as well as research scientists with a complete, modern view of this important group of bacteria. The authors, chosen for their sustained contributions to the field, cover both fundamental and applied research in this area. The main topics include bacterial ecology and taxonomy, toxin diversity, activity and mode of action, regulation and environment of the genes, safety and ecotoxicology, production and field application of the bacteria, and outbreaks of resistant populations. The book concludes with the most recent data obtained on transgenic biotechnology and addresses environmental impact issues.

This book explains the metabolic processes by which microbes obtain and control the intracellular availability of their required metal and metalloid ions. The book also describes how intracellular concentrations of unwanted metal and metalloid ions successfully are limited. Its authors additionally provide information about the ways that microbes derive metabolic energy by changing the charge states of metal and metalloid ions. Part one of this book provides an introduction to microbes, metals and metalloids. It also helps our readers to understand the chemical constraints for transition metal cation allocation. Part two explains the basic processes which microbes use for metal transport. That section also explains the uses, as well as the challenges, associated with metal-based antimicrobials. Part three gives our readers an understanding that because of microbial capabilities to process metals and metalloids, the microbes have become our best tools for accomplishing many jobs. Their applications in chemical technology include the design of microbial consortia for use in bioleaching processes that recover metal and metalloid ions from industrial wastes. Many biological engineering tasks, including the synthesis of metal nanoparticles and similar metalloid structures, also are ideally suited for the microbes. Part four describes unique attributes associated with the microbiology of these elements, progressing through the alphabet from antimony and arsenic to zinc.

This book is a collection of scholarly articles presenting the research results of work carried out under the supervision of Prof. Saroj Bhosle, a microbiologist at Goa University, India.The objective of this volume is to document the comprehensive ecological knowledge of eubacteria isolated from diverse coastal ecosystems of Goa, little explored for microbiological studies. These ecosystems need to be properly tapped in order to reveal potential bacteria yet to be exploited. The topics of this book are particularly relevant to researchers and students in the field of microbiology with an interest in the varied aspects of eubacteria. They provide academic insight for scientific communities in Goa and the rest of the world.

To cope with the increasing problems created by agrochemicals such as plant fertilizers, pesticides and other plant protection agents, biological alternatives have been developed over the past years. These include biopesticides, such as bacteria for the control of plant diseases, and biofertilizer to improve crop productivity and quality. Especially plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are as effective as pure chemicals in terms of plant growth enhancement and disease control, in addition to their ability to manage abiotic and other stresses in plants. The various facets of these groups of bacteria are treated in this Microbiology Monograph, with emphasis on their emergence in agriculture. Further topics are Bacillus species that excrete peptides and lipopeptides with antifungal, antibacterial and surfactant activity, plant-bacteria-environment interactions, mineral-nutrient exchange, nitrogen assimilation, biofilm formation and cold-tolerant microorganisms.

Nitrogen fixation is a key component of the nitrogen cycle, one of the most fundamental cycles in the biosphere. Conversion of atmospheric nitrogen into organic nitrogen compounds can be carried out only by certain bacteria and blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Some nitrogen fixing bacteria live symbiotically with leguminous plants such as peas, beans, clover, and certain tropical trees in nodules on the plants' roots, while others live independently in the soil and aquatic habitats. By the activity of these microorganisms, the soil is enriched with the nitrogen required for plant growth and function. Thus the topic is of considerable practical as well as fundamental importance. In Biological Nitrogen Fixation, the leading researchers in nitrogen fixation from all over the world contribute up-to-the-minute general reviews on all aspects of the subject, from the molecular biology and genetics to the biochemistry, physiology, and ecology of nitrogen fixation. This compendium of current research is an indispensable reference for all involved in nitrogen fixation research, and of use to all who deal indirectly with the subject. It will also serve as a thoroughly up-to-date textbook for graduate students in microbiology, plant science, biochemistry, molecular biology, plant pathology, agronomy, and genetics.

Two-component systems are signaling pathways that regulate many bacterial characteristics, such as virulence, pathogenicity, symbiosis, motility, nutrient uptake, secondary metabolite production, metabolic regulation, cell division, and many more. These systems regulate physiological processes in response to environmental or cellular parameters and enable adaptation to changing conditions. They are also potential targets for anti-microbial drug design. In recent years, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the role of two-component systems, and molecular studies have uncovered basic mechanisms of signaling. In this book, expert contributors from around the world present the current knowledge on two-component systems in bacteria and critically evaluate the vast amount of exciting new information that has been brought to light in recent years. The book covers various topics, including: the structure-function analysis of two-component systems * the sensing mechanisms * essential or atypical two-component systems and signaling networks * two-component systems in stress responses * two-component systems in developmental processes * two-component systems in virulence and symbiosis. The book provides a comprehensive overview for graduate students, academic scientists, and researchers in the pharmaceutical industry. This major reference work is essential reading for everyone working on bacterial regulation or anti-microbial drug design and is a recommended volume for all microbiology libraries.

This book presents a timely review of the latest advances in rhizosphere biology, which have been facilitated by the application of omics tools. It includes chapters on the use of various omics tools in rhizosphere biology, focusing on understanding plant and soil microbe interactions. The role of proteomics and metagenomics in research on symbiotic association is also discussed in detail. The book also includes chapters on the use of omics tools for the isolation of functional biomolecules from rhizospheric microorganisms. The book's respective sections describe and provide detailed information on important omics tools, such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics and meta-epigenomics. In turn, the book promotes and describes the combined use of plant biology, microbial ecology, and soil sciences to design new research strategies and innovative methods in soil biology. Lastly, it highlights the considerable potential of the rhizosphere in terms of crop productivity, bioremediation, ecological engineering, plant nutrition and health, as well as plant adaptation to stress conditions. This book offers both a practical guide and reference source for all scientists working in soil biology, plant pathology, etc. It will also benefit students studying soil microbiology, and researchers studying rhizosphere structure.

For a long time, lactic acid bacteria have played an indispensable role in food production.
This book provides an overview and recent findings on their genetics and biochemistry as well as possible applications. The development and use of non-pathogenic lactic acid bacteria in vaccine delivery systems for mucosal immunizations are discussed. Their role in food fermentation, their use in carbohydrate modification and key systems for proteolysis and lantibiotic production are treated in detail. Further, the transformation of organic wastes into food and fertilizers is covered. The volume contains a wealth of useful information and can serve both as an introduction to the field for beginners and as a reference book.

S. Henin Versailles, France It was a pleasure for me to take part in the NATO Advanced Study Workshop for studies of 'Soil Colloids and their Associations in Soil Aggregates'. The meeting provided me with a welcome opportunity to renew acquaintances with respected colleagues in the various fields of Soil Science, to listen to their presentations, and be involved in discussions which were at the frontiers of the science which deals with the structures and the associations of the soil colloidal constituents. In my view the rapid advances in Soil Science, and the great benefits to agriculture from these, have their origins in the emerging understanding of the structures and the associations of the different soil colloids. It is clear that much research is still needed before the molecular details of the most important of the structures and of the interactions are fully understood. The associations between the soil colloids, and the manner in which they bind to or hold the other constituents of soils in aggregates is fundamental to soil fertility. and the Modem intensive agriculture leads to the degradation of soil structure subsequent loss through erosion of a resource that is vital for the production of food. This degradation is considered to result primarily from the biological oxidation of the indigenous soil organic matter, and from the failure to return to the soil sufficient organic residues to compensate for such losses.

The Lactic Acid Bacteria is planned as a series in a number of volumes, and the interest shown in it appears to justify a cautious optimism that a series comprising at least five volumes will appear in the fullness of time. This being so, I feel that it is desirable to introduce the series by providing a little of the history of the events which culminated in the decision to produce such a series. I also wish to indicate the boundaries of the group 'The Lactic Acid Bacteria' as I have defined them for the present purposes, and to outline my hopes for future topics in the series. Historical background lowe my interest in the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to the late Dr Cyril Rainbow, who introduced me to their fascinating world when he offered me a place with him to work for a PhD on the carbohydrate metabolism of some lactic rods isolated from English beer breweries by himself and others, notably Dr Dora Kulka. He was particularly interested in their preference for maltose over glucose as a source of carbohydrate for growth, expressed in most cases as a more rapid growth on the disaccharide; but one isolate would grow only on maltose. Eventually we showed that maltose was being utilised by 'direct fermentation' as the older texts called it, specifically by the phosphorolysis which had first been demonstrated for maltose by Doudoroff and his associates in their work on maltose metabolism by a strain of Neisseria meningitidis.

This updated book explores a wide repertoire of tools and approaches that have been created, modified, and applied to the study of L. monocytogenes, forming the basis of our understanding of the bacterium today. Many of these key experimental techniques are gathered together herein. The volume presents aspects such as clinical disease and host-pathogen interactions, as well as the study of biofilms which present a significant challenge for control of the organism in the food processing environment. The topics covered in this edition also include sampling in order to isolate Listeria, methods for their identification and characterization, methods for gene manipulation, and methods for control of the organism. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and up-to-date, Listeria monocytogenes: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to contribute toward the harmonization of methods used to study this important bacterium, and to be of particular interest to Listeria research both in relation to food association and control as well as clinical microbiology.

This volume provides current protocols that can be used in various experimental settings involving bifidobacteria. Chapters guide readers through experimental protocols on procedures to isolate and cultivate bifidobacteria, taxonomic identification of bifidobacterial isolates, sequencing and annotate genomes, physiologically characterize bifidobacteria, and methods on the genetic manipulation of bifidobacterial strains. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Bifidobacteria: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful practical guide to researches to help further their study in this field.

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".

This book describes the multitude of interactions between plant, soil, and micro-organisms. It emphasizes on how growth and development in plants, starting from seed germination, is heavily influenced by the soil type. It describes the interactions established by plants with soil and inhabitant microbial community. The chapters describe how plants selectively promote certain microorganisms in the rhizospheric ecozone to derive multifarious benefits such as nutrient acquisition and protection from diseases. The diversity of these rhizospheric microbes and their interactions with plants largely depend on plant genotype, soils attributes, and several abiotic and biotic factors. Most of the studies concerned with plant-microbe interaction are focused on temperate regions, even though the tropical ecosystems are more diverse and need more attention. Therefore, it is crucial to understand how soil type and climatic conditions influence the plant-soil-microbes interaction in the tropics. Considering the significance of the subject, the present volume is designed to cover the most relevant aspects of rhizospheric microbial interactions in tropical ecosystems. Chapters include aspects related to the diversity of rhizospheric microbes, as well as modern tools and techniques to assess the rhizospheric microbiomes and their functional roles. The book also covers applications of rhizospheric microbes and evaluation of prospects improving agricultural practice and productivity through the use of microbiome technologies. This book will be extremely interesting to microbiologists, plant biologists, and ecologists.

The new series "Microbiology Monographs" begins with two volumes on intracellular components in prokaryotes. In this first volume, "Inclusions in Prokaryotes", the components, labeled inclusions, are defined as discrete bodies resulting from synthesis of a metabolic product. Research on the biosynthesis and reutilization of the accumulated materials is still in progress, and interest in the inclusions is growing. This comprehensive volume provides historical background and comprehensive reviews of eight well-known prokaryotic inclusions.

The subsistence agriculture of the pre-chemical era efficiently sustained the nitrogen status of soils by maintaining a balance between N loss and N gain from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF): the microbial conversion of atmospheric N to a form usable by plants. This was possible with less intensive cropping, adaptation of rational crop rotations and intercropping schemes, and the use of legumes as green manure. Modern agriculture concentrates on maximum output, however, overlooking input efficiency; It is not sustainable. Intensive monocropping, with no or inadequate crop rotations or green manuring, together with the excessive use of chemical N fertilizers, results in an imbalance between N gain and N loss. The losses are often larger than the gains, and soil N status declines. The challenge is to sustain soil N fertility in many different tropical and temperate farming systems operating at high productivity levels. This requires judicious integration of BNF components, maintaining a good balance between N losses and gains. In this book, papers on BNF in crop forage and tree legumes are augmented with discussions of integrated farming systems involving BNF, soil and N management, and recycling of legume residues. BNF by non-legumes are discussed, and attempts to transform cereals into nodulating plants are critically reviewed. Advances in the development of novel methodologies to understand symbiotic relations and to assess N2 fixation in the field are described, and means are presented to enhance BNF through plant and soil management or breeding and selection. Problems encountered in exploiting BNF under field conditions are examined, as are promising approaches to improving BNFexploitation.

Through this book, the readers will learn about the different aspects of Actinobacteria- beginning with its ecology and occurrence, to the ways of its adaptation to harsh climates, and finally to its practical applications. The book also presents methods of identifying and characterizing this diverse group of bacteria through advanced techniques like MALDI-TOF, 16S rRNA analysis, etc. Different chapters describe the various biotechnological applications of Actinobacteria, including bioremediation, secondary metabolite production, and in producing antibiotics, anti-cancer therapeutics. It also provides insights into the applications in agriculture and forestry by inhibiting plant pathogenic bacteria's growth.

This book addresses multiple aspects of biological clocks in prokaryotes. The first part of the book deals with the circadian clock system in cyanobacteria, i.e. the pioneer of bacterial clocks. Starting with the history and background of cyanobacteria and circadian rhythms in microorganisms, the topics range from the molecular basis, structure and evolution of the circadian clock to modelling approaches, Kai systems in cyanobacteria and biotechnological applications. In the second part, emergent timekeeping properties of bacteria in microbiomes and bacteria other than cyanobacteria are discussed. Since the discovery of circadian rhythms in cyanobacteria in the late 1980s, the field has exploded with new information. The cyanobacterial model system for studying circadian rhythms (Synechococcus elongatus), has allowed a detailed genetic dissection of the bacterial clock due to state-of-the-art methods in molecular, structural, and evolutionary biology. Cutting-edge research spanning from cyanobacteria and circadian phenomena in other kinds of bacteria, to microbiomes has now given the field another major boost. This book is aimed at junior and senior researchers alike. Students or researchers new to the field of biological clocks in prokaryotes will get a comprehensive overview, while more experienced researchers will get an update on the latest developments.

Handbook of Algal Science, Microbiology, Technology and Medicine provides a concise introduction to the science, biology, technology and medical use of algae that is structured on the major research fronts of the last four decades, such as algal structures and properties, algal biomedicine, algal genomics, algal toxicology, and algal bioremediation, algal photosystems, algal ecology, algal bioenergy and biofuels. It also covers algal production for biomedicine, algal biomaterials, and algal medicinal foods within these primary sections. All chapters are authored by the leading researchers in their respective research fields. Our society currently faces insurmountable challenges in the areas of biomedicine and energy in the face of increasing global population and diminishing natural resources as well as the growing environmental and economic concerns, such as global warming, greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Algae offer a way to deal with these challenges and concerns for both sustainable and environment friendly bioenergy production and in biomedicine through the development of crucial biotechnology.