Life on earth began with bacteria, which now colonize every corner of the planet. As the ancestors of mitochondria, bacteria are also fundamental for our cells. Most bacteria look alike, but have very different functions. Therefore, knowing the functional profile of bacteria helps understand their impact on our life. This book provides a wealth of information on the functional evolution of bacteria in a novel and coherent way. The book is aimed towards scientists as well as those who are curious about the world of bacteria and their relationships with mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, and us.

AN AUTHORITATIVE SURVEY OF CURRENT RESEARCH INTO CLINICALLY USEFUL CONVENTIONAL AND NONCONVENTIONAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPEUTICS Pharmaceutically-active antibiotics revolutionized the treatment of infectious diseases, leading to decreased mortality and increased life expectancy. However, recent years have seen an alarming rise in the number and frequency of antibiotic-resistant "Superbugs." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that over two million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States annually, resulting in approximately 23,000 deaths. Despite the danger to public health, a minimal number of new antibiotic drugs are currently in development or in clinical trials by major pharmaceutical companies. To prevent reverting back to the pre-antibiotic era--when diseases caused by parasites or infections were virtually untreatable and frequently resulted in death--new and innovative approaches are needed to combat the increasing resistance of pathogenic bacteria to antibiotics. Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics - From Molecules to Man examines the current state and future direction of research into developing clinically-useful next-generation novel antibiotics. An internationally-recognized team of experts cover topics including glycopeptide antibiotic resistance, anti-tuberculosis agents, anti-virulence therapies, tetracyclines, the molecular and structural determinants of resistance, and more. Presents a multidisciplinary approach for the optimization of novel antibiotics for maximum potency, minimal toxicity, and appropriated degradability Highlights critical aspects that may relieve the problematic medical situation of antibiotic resistance Includes an overview of the genetic and molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance Addresses contemporary issues of global public health and longevity Includes full references, author remarks, and color illustrations, graphs, and charts Bacterial Resistance to Antibiotics - From Molecules to Man is a valuable source of up-to-date information for medical practitioners, researchers, academics, and professionals in public health, pharmaceuticals, microbiology, and related fields.

Published nearly ten years ago, the first edition of Practical Atlas for Bacterial Identification broke new ground with the wealth of detail and breadth of information it provided. The second edition is poised to do the same. Differing fundamentally from the first edition, this book begins by introducing the concept of bacteria community intelligence as reflected in corrosion, plugging, and shifts in the quality parameters in the product whether it be water, gas, oil, or even air. It presents a new classification system for bacterial communities based upon their effect and activities, and not their composition.

The book represents a radical departure from the classical reductionist identification of bacteria dominated by genetic and biochemical analyses of separated strains. The author takes a holistic approach based on form, function, and habitat of communities (consorms) of bacteria in real environments. He uses factors related to the oxidation-reduction potential at the site where the consorm is active and the viscosity of the bound water within that consorm to position their community structures within a two-dimensional bacteriological positioning system (BPS) that then allows the functional role to be defined. This book has an overarching ability to define bacterial activities as consorms in a very effective and applied manner useful to an applied audience involved in bacterial challenges.

Organized for ease of use, the book allows readers to start with the symptom, uncover the bacterial activities, and then indentify the communities distinctly enough to allow management and control practices that minimize the damage. The broad spectrum approach, new to this edition, lumps compatible bacteria together into a relatively harmonious consortia that share a common primary purpose. It gives a big picture view of the role of bacteria not as single strains but collectively as communities and uses this information to provide key answers to common bacterial problems.

1st Prize, 'New Authored Books' category, Royal Society of Medicine and Society of Authors Medical Book Awards 2008

""Overall, I am impressed by the up-to date information content and structure provided in Bacteriology of Humans. It is truly an ecological perspective helpful for undergraduate/graduate majors in microbiology and immunology."" -American Society for Microbiology, June 2009

""Wilson provides the reader with an up-to-date, comprehensive census of the indigenous microorganisms that inhabit the human body and in so doing contributes significantly to this rapidly advancing area of study. The narrative is clearly written; the index is excellent; there are numerous bibliographic citations. Each chapter is rich with tables, diagrams, color micrographs, and charts ... Highly recommended."" -Choice Reviews

""This comprehensive, yet accessible text... is an excellent and informative reference book... it should be on the shelf of every major science and medical library. The content, organization, and presentation make this book a unique resource."" -Doody's Book Reviews

Until recently, the indigenous microbiota of humans has been a relatively neglected area of microbiology with most attention being focused on those microbes that cause disease in humans, rather than on those that co-exist with us in the disease-free state. However, in the past decade research has shown that not only is the indigenous microbiota involved in protecting humans from exogenous pathogens but it is also involved in our development and nutrition. Consequently, interest has grown substantially among health professionals and scientists in analyzing and understanding these microbial (largely bacterial) communities.

This comprehensive, yet accessible text provides an up-to-date guide to the development, composition and distribution of indigenous microbial communities of humans. With the aid of abundant colour figures, diagrams, tables and maps, it establishes links between the physicochemical factors prevailing at an anatomical site and the types of microbes to be found there. The book includes an introduction to the human-microbe symbiosis as well as an in-depth look at the main systems and organs of the human body that have an indigenous microbiota. Each chapter includes a list of references for further study.

This is an excellent and informative reference book that is useful to anyone with an interest in microbiology, medical microbiology, microbial ecology, infectious diseases, immunology, human biology, medicine, dentistry, nursing, health sciences, biomedical sciences or pharmacy - it should be on the shelf of every major science and medical library.

Hallmark Features: Provides a comprehensive, yet accessible, reference book on the human microbiotaLavishly illustrated with colour figures, diagrams, tables and mapsEach chapter provides a list of references to promote further studyEach chapter contains links to key websitesOffers an ecological approach that explains why certain organisms are associated with a particular anatomical site

The fifth edition of this highly successful book provides students with an essential introduction to the molecular genetics of bacteria covering the basic concepts and the latest developments. It is comprehensive, easy to use and well structured with clear two-colour diagrams throughout.

Specific changes to the new edition include: More detail on sigma factors, anti-sigma factors and anti-anti sigma factors, and the difference in the frequency of sigma factors in bacteriaExpand material on integrons as these are becoming increasingly important in antibiotic resistanceEnhanced treatment of molecular phylogenyComplete revision and updating of the final chapter on 'Gene Mapping and Genomics'Two-colour illustrations throughout.

The focus of the book remains firmly on bacteria and will be invaluable to students studying microbiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics and related biomedical sciences.

Coliforms are widely used as indicators of water quality and sanitary status, and levels are regulated as standards and legislation in many jurisdictions. The group of organisms known as coliform bacteria are commonly used to gauge quality and potential for health risk of potable and recreational waters, and are stimulated in water quality standards and legislation of many jurisdictions worldwide. The contents of this book includes an overview about the involvement of biofilms in waterborne diseases; currently employed methods of analysis for coliform bacteria; the testing of coliformic bacteria for water departments using automated sampling and analysis; the prevalence of E.coli outbreaks linked to the consumption of certain products; and finally, a review of the sources of coliform bacteria in freshwaters.

A valuable handbook containing reviews, practical methods and standard operating procedures. * A valuable and practical working handbook containing introductory and specialist content that tackles a major and growing field of environmental, microbiological and ecotoxicological monitoring and analysis * Includes introductory reviews, practical analytical chapters and a comprehensive listing of almost thirty Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) * For use in the laboratory, in academic and government institutions and industrial settings

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat that needs immediate attention and action from the scientific community. This book compiles and presents the latest and most important aspects of AMR, including the biology involved, its persistence and spread, and novel approaches to tackle this threat. The book first describes the mechanisms and spread of AMR, and then discusses the various approaches and strategies for combating it. Important topics include, microbial pathogenesis, AMR traits and major mechanisms underlying drug-resistance and the emerging strategies and technologies for combating AMR. Emphasis has been given on current developments about natural products including potent phyto-molecules, antimicrobial peptides and endophytes effective against the drug-resistant microbes and target the main drug-resistance determinants (efflux pumps, biofilms, quorum sensing, plasmids, etc.) in these bacterial pathogens. Other exciting topics include applications of nanomaterials in tackling AMR and CRISPR-Cas based precise sequence-specific antimicrobials. This informative book is meant for students and researchers in basic and medical microbiology and biotechnology. It is also useful to public health professionals and industry experts involved in AMR research and related drug-designing.

Mycobacteria are bacterial pathogens which cause diseases in humans and non-human animals. This monograph primarily covers the most important and widely researched groups of mycobacteria: members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and Mycobacterium leprae, across a wide range of host species. M. tuberculosis and M. bovis are particularly relevant with the increasing drug resistance and co-infection with HIV associated with M. tuberculosis and the possible cross-infection of badgers and cattle associated with M. bovis. This book provides a reference for researchers working in different fields, creating a work which draws together information on different pathogens, and by considering the diseases in a zoonotic context, provides a One Health approach to these important groups of diseases.

This volume presents a collection of methods that have contributed to the current understanding of bacterial persisters. Chapters in the book detail general guidelines for measuring persister levels in bacterial cultures, strategies to enrich and resuscitate persister subpopulations, single-cell approaches for visualizing and characterizing persisters, omics techniques and cellular and animal models for studying persistence. 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, Bacterial Persistence: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition aims to be a useful practical guide to researchers to help further their study in this field.

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.

This authoritative, timely, and comprehensively referenced compendium on the bacteriophages explores current views of how viruses infect bacteria. In combination with classical phage molecular genetics, new structural, genomic, and single-molecule technologies have rendered an explosion in our knowledge of phages. Bacteriophages, the most abundant and genetically diverse type of organism in the biosphere, were discovered at the beginning of the 20th century and enjoyed decades of used as anti-bacterial agents before being eclipsed by the antibiotic era. Since 1988, phages have come back into the spotlight as major factors in pathogenesis, bacterial evolution, and ecology. This book reveals their compelling elegence of function and their almost inconceivable diversity.
Much of the founding work in molecular biology and structural biology was done on bacteriophages. These are widely used in molecular biology research and in biotechnology, as probes and markers, and in the popular method of assesing gene expression.

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.

This text is written for advanced students with a basic background in molecular biology and provides a clear and concise summary of the flow of information from genes to proteins in simple prokaryotic cells. Transcription regulation is of central importance to molecular biology, and in bacterial cells the major regulatory stage is transcription. While most textbooks cover transcription in a single chapter with a strong emphasis on eukaryotic transcription, this new text is devoted to prokaryotic transcription and is perfect for use on molecular biology, microbiology and technology courses.

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.

Bacteria as Multicellular Organisms is the first book devoted specifically to multicellular aspects of bacterial life. Contrary to conventional wisdom, which treats bacteria as autonomous single cells, this book shows how bacteria are sentient, interactive organisms with an unexpectedly broad repertoire of chemical and physical mechanisms for signalling each other and organizing themselves into multicellular aggregates with novel properties. The book has been compiled from reports by specialists in a variety of disciplines from genetics and microbiology to environmental engineering and biotechnology. This interdisciplinary approach reflects the growing importance of bacteria as key experimental material for investigating phenomena common to many fields in contemporary science: communication, complexity, self-organization, and pattern formation. The impact of bacterial multicellularity will affect such diverse areas as evolutionary population biology, non-linear dynamics, and information science.

This second edition of Modern Bacterial Taxonomy has been completely revised and expanded to include detailed coverage of molecular systematics including relevant aspects of nucleic acid sequences, the construction of phylogenetic trees, typing of bacteria by restriction fragment length polymorphisms, DNA hybridization probes and the use of the polymerase chain reaction in bacterial systematics.

Many researchers have been deterred from the study of anaerobes because of the perceived difficulties in culture methods. Advances in equipment and methodology have led to more widespread study of these diverse and fascinating organisms and their activities, generating more interest in the subject. This book provides the first ready source of general methods of use to all anaerobic microbiologists, in addition to those which are valuable in the study of the specific habitats or groups of organisms. Topics include isolation and culture techniques as well as range of taxonomic methods, and protocols for biochemical and genetic studies. Several chapters are also devoted specifically to organisms with special culture requirements, such as the methanogens, sulphate-reducing bacteria, and anaerobic eukaryotes (including both protozoa and fungi). This volume will be essential to all those interested in the study of anaerobic micro-organisms, whether in the fields of taxonomy, ecology, physiology or molecular biology.

This book offers a much-needed discussion on the targeting of biofilm-related infections. Chapters include discussions on the impact of biofilm on medical implants, industrial applications, as well as wound and tissue infections. It also offers discussions on regulatory management for industrial sectors and medical environments. Given that there continues to be a paucity of effective antimicrobial products, devices, and coatings in clinical and industrial use that effectively reduce rates of infection or biofilm-related problems, Targeting Biofilms in Translational Research, Device Development, and Industrial Sectors, offers a fresh and much-needed perspective aimed at helping create healthier controlled environments and safer devices. This comprehensive book is indispensable for industrial and academic translational researchers, device developers, and regulatory experts looking to create more effective antimicrobial products.

This book discusses the decoding of the lytic mechanism of an -helical pore-forming toxin, YaxAB, composed of two different subunits. Pore-forming toxins (PFTs) are among the most common bacterial toxins. They are produced by a variety of pathogens, which infect a wide range of organisms including plants, insects and humans. Yet the maturation of these particles and the structural changes required for pore formation are still poorly understood for many PFT families. Using a diverse panel of biochemical and structural techniques, including X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy, Dr. Brauning and colleagues have succeeded in identifying the mechanistic contributions of the two toxin components and elucidating the lytic state of the pore complex. The results of this thesis on the YaxAB system are applicable to orthologues from agriculturally relevant insect pathogens, and offer valuable structural and mechanistic insights to inform future bioengineering efforts.

This book provides an up-to-date overview of the architecture and biosynthesis of bacterial and archaeal cell walls, highlighting the evolution-based similarities in, but also the intriguing differences between the cell walls of Gram-negative bacteria, the Firmicutes and Actinobacteria, and the Archaea. The recent major advances in this field, which have brought to light many new structural and functional details, are presented and discussed. Over the past five years, a number of novel systems, e.g. for lipid, porin and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis have been described. In addition, new structural achievements with periplasmic chaperones have been made, all of which have revealed amazing details on how bacterial cell walls are synthesized. These findings provide an essential basis for future research, e.g. the development of new antibiotics. The book's content is the logical continuation of Volume 84 of SCBI (on Prokaryotic Cytoskeletons), and sets the stage for upcoming volumes on Protein Complexes.

This volume focuses on antibiotics research, a field of topical significance for human health due to the worrying increase of nosocomial infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria. It covers several basic aspects, such as the evolution of antibiotic resistance and the influence of antibiotics on the gut microbiota, and addresses the search for novel pathogenicity blockers as well as historical aspects of antibiotics. Further topics include applied aspects, such as drug discovery based on biodiversity and genome mining, optimization of lead structures by medicinal chemistry, total synthesis and drug delivery technologies. Moreover, the development of vaccines as a valid alternative therapeutic approach is outlined, while the importance of epidemiological studies on important bacterial pathogens, the problems arising from the excessive use of antibiotics in animal breeding, and the development of innovative technologies for diagnosing the "bad bugs" are discussed in detail. Accordingly, the book will appeal to researchers and clinicians alike.

Drug-resistant bacteria ― known as superbugs ― are one of the biggest medical threats of our time. Here, a doctor, researcher, and ethics professor tells the exhilarating story of his race to beat them and save countless lives.

When doctor Matt McCarthy first meets Jackson, a mechanic from Queens, it is in the ER, where he has come for treatment for an infected gunshot wound. Usually, antibiotics would be prescribed, but Jackson’s infection is one of a growing number of superbugs, bacteria that have built up resistance to known drugs. He only has one option, and if that doesn’t work he may lose his leg or even his life.

On the same day, McCarthy and his mentor Tom Walsh begin work on a groundbreaking clinical trial for a new antibiotic they believe will eradicate certain kinds of superbugs and demonstrate to Big Pharma that investment in these drugs can save millions of lives and prove financially viable. But there are seemingly endless hoops to jump through before they can begin administering the drug to patients, and for people like Jackson time is in short supply.

Superbugs is a compelling tale of medical ingenuity. From the muddy trenches of the First World War, where Alexander Fleming searched for a cure for soldiers with infected wounds, to breakthroughs in antibiotics and antifungals today that could revolutionise how infections are treated, McCarthy takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride through the history ― and future ― of medicine. Along the way, we meet patients like Remy, a teenage girl with a dangerous and rare infection; Donny, a retired firefighter with a compromised immune system; and Bill, the author’s own father-in-law, who contracts a deadly staph infection. And we learn about the ethics of medical research: why potentially life-saving treatments are often delayed for years to protect patients from exploitation.

Can McCarthy get his trial approved and underway in time to save the lives of his countless patients infected with deadly bacteria, who have otherwise lost all hope?