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.

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring Bacteria form a fundamental branch of life. They are the oldest forms of life as we know it, and they are still the most prolific living organisms. They inhabit every part of the Earth's surface, its ocean depths, and even terrains such as boiling hot springs. They are most familiar as agents of disease, but benign bacteria are critical to the recycling of elements and all ecology, as well as to human health. In this Very Short Introduction, Sebastian G. B. Amyes explores the nature of bacteria, their origin and evolution, bacteria in the environment, and bacteria and disease. In this new edition, he examines the ethical implications of synthetic bacteria, the evolving technologies used to combat antibiotics resistance, and the role bacteria play in the evolutionary development of humans. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

The use of DNA arrays and proteomics will transform the scale of our ability to describe the patterns of gene expression as bacteria respond to their environments. However, the ability to control bacteria in a clinical context or exploit them in industrial or environmental contexts also depends on understanding the regulatory mechanisms which connect input experience to output response at the genetic level. This book deals with our current knowledge of the circuits and networks that govern bacterial gene expression--from the single gene to the whole genome--and which provide the framework for explaining the data from the post genomics revolution.

Vast numbers of different prokaryotic microorganisms shape the biosphere, with diverse metabolic capabilities. Determination of genome sequences for a wide range of bacteria and archaea now requires an in-depth knowledge of prokaryotic metabolic function to give biochemical, physiological and ecological meaning to the genomic information. This new edition describes up-to-date knowledge of the key metabolic processes that occur under different conditions, and the cellular processes that determine prokaryotic roles in the environment, biotechnology and human health. Essential for students of microbiology, applied microbiology, biotechnology, genomics and systems biology, this advanced textbook covers prokaryotic structure, composition, nutrient transport, biosynthesis and growth. Newly characterised metabolic pathways are included, as well as the latest understanding of metabolic regulation and stress responses. Additionally, the link between energetics, growth and survival is discussed as well as the maintenance of genetic integrity by the bacterial immune system.

Enterobacter is a relatively lesser known member of family Enterobacteriaceae with at least fifteen species more or less involved in different human infections. As little knowledge is available about its pathogenicity and virulence factors, this compilation discusses the factors and genes involved. The plants and microbes with antimicrobial potential in the synthesis of nanoparticles for the control of pathogenic Enterobacteriaceae are highlighted, and the authors discuss how, to overcome the complexities regarding antibiotic therapies and multiple drug resistance, there is a dire need to develop some novel clinical approaches and strategies. The factors causing multi-drug resistance are highlighted, including under or overuse of antibiotics, prolonged use of antibiotics, poor infection control, poor hygiene and sanitation.

Since the appearance of Darwin's book, "The Origin of Species," adaptation is one of the processes that explains the diversity of species in ecosystems. Adaptive phenomena in the 19th century and until the mid-20th century have been analyzed in macroscopic biological systems, however since the second half of the 20th century and to date the development of disciplines such as Molecular Biology, has allowed us to delve into the mechanisms that regulate cell physiology. The molecular bases that allow explaining the adaptation processes of microorganisms to their environment have special relevance, because through their analysis it is possible to size the complexity of these mechanisms that involve receptors of a protein nature associated with transduction chains that transport the information flow to genomic DNA, and which subsequently involves the emission of a response through the expression of specific genes. From the point of view of the adaptive phenomenon analysis, the approach through the molecular bases makes it possible to understand the enormous diversity of the microbial world. Mainly for two reasons, on the one hand the presence of micro gradients in the bacterial ecological niches that are continuously fluctuating, which forces the microorganisms to a rapid adaptation phenomenon. And on the other hand, horizontal gene transfer phenomena, which allow bacteria the information exchange. These two elements carry great intensity in establishing new relationships. This phenomenon is especially relevant if it is related to a concept that Darwin cites in the Origin of Species, "The tangled riverbank", where it is emphasized that the new interactions establishment is the basic driving force for the new species generation. This mechanism is explained by the positive feedback loop generation, whereby ecosystems with high levels of biological diversity generate new interactions that lead to new species, which in turn tends to make the ecosystem network more complex. This complexity analyzed in its molecular bases allows to generate new research questions that can be applied to other knowledge areas, such as Biotechnology. The analysis of the molecular bases of the microorganisms adequacy, makes it possible to identify and characterize mechanisms that implemented in different pharmaceutical areas and agricultural industry has led to the product generation with high added value, a clear example of this economic development is the enzyme industry and even recombinant protein production. Finally, it is convenient to emphasize the need to incorporate the analysis of the molecular bases of adaptation from the perspective of omics techniques. Techniques that allow the study of processes and mechanisms to be approached from a global perspective. This book summarizes some topics of special relevance referring to adaptive processes of different microorganisms of special relevance both in basic and applied research.

It is surprising how little is actually known about the fate of wastewater bacteria once they enter the sea. This wide-ranging work is one of the first to unravel the mechanisms determining bacterial sensitivity or survival under these conditions.

Plasmids are closed, circular pieces of DNA that are able to self--replicate and are carried by many bacteria. They provide unique functions for bacteria by allowing them to sexually replicate and to pass on genetic material between each other. Plasmids are also responsible for the genetic factors that give resistance to antibiotics, and provide the enzymes needed to break down poorly metabolised food resources. The author has provided an updated treatment of the structure, function and application of plasmids suitable for undergraduates and medical students. Employing an original teaching perspective----examining plasmids as living organisms with either a symbiotic or parasitic mode of survival----this text provides an important framework for understanding the structure and function of plasmids in an evolutionary context.* The most up to date text on plasmids* An innovative teaching perspective makes for easy student understanding* Contains crucial chapters on the importance of plasmids for clinical and biological research

This book provides up-to-date information on the crucial interaction of pathogenic bacteria and professional phagocytes, the host cells whose purpose is to ingest, kill, and digest bacteria in defense against infection. The introductory chapters focus on the receptors used by professional phagocytes to recognize and phagocytose bacteria, and the signal transduction events that are essential for phagocytosis of bacteria. Subsequent chapters discuss specific bacterial pathogens and the strategies they use in confronting professional phagocytes. Examples include Helicobacter pylori, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Yersinae, each of which uses distinct mechanisms to avoid being phagocytosed and killed. Contrasting examples include Listeria monocytogenes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which survive and replicate intracellularly, and actually cooperate with phagocytes to promote their entry into these cells. Together, the contributions in this book provide an outstanding review of current knowledge regarding the mechanisms of phagocytosis and how specific pathogenic bacteria avoid or exploit these mechanisms.

This book concerns the intimate association between bacteria and host cells. Many bacterial pathogens are able to invade and survive within cells at mucosal membranes. Remarkably, the bacteria themselves orchestrate this process through the exploitation of host cellular signal transduction pathways. Intracellular invasion can lead to disruption of host tissue integrity and perturbation of the immune system. An understanding of the molecular basis of bacterial invasion and of host cell adaptation to intracellular bacteria will provide fundamental insights into the pathophysiology of bacteria and the cell biology of the host. The book details specific examples of bacteria that are masters of manipulation of eukaryotic cell signaling and relates these events to the broader context of host-pathogen interaction. Written by experts in the field, this book will be of interest to researchers and graduate students in microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, as well as molecular medicine and dentistry.

This is the only book available that provides an integrated picture of what starter cultures are and what they do. It gives an up-to-date discussion of the characteristics, metabolism, production, and role of starter cultures in the manufacture of fermented dairy products. It further integrates recent developments in starter culture genetics into different aspects of culture metabolism, to give a comprehensive treatment of the subject. The contributors of the book are internationally recognized experts in dairy microbiology.

This book provides the bird's eye view of the latest scientific research centered around the importance of gut bacteria in influencing our health and well-being and their impact on lifestyle diseases. The scientific information is presented in an easy-to-understand language while being interspersed with fun-facts and anecdotal accounts, which entertain the audience while helping them acquire this fundamental and relevant scientific knowledge. The authors explain in a lay-person friendly terminology about the role of gut bacteria in determining the state of both our physical andmental well-being. The authors then share insights about the role of gut bacteria in predisposition to various lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome, and response to stress, utilizing the latest published scientific research in peer-reviewed journals. -"What are the gut bacteria?" -"What are the various factors which affect their composition and numbers?" "How do they perform such vital functions?" -"How do they protect us from the biggest killers of today's mankind- the lifestyle diseases?" -And most importantly, "how can we harness this knowledge for our benefit?" This book answers these questions in an easy language for readers without any background in biology. The information provided in the book is useful to anyone who wants to lead a healthy life. It is worth reading even for the health care professionals as their current curriculum does not entail extensive information about the gut-bacteria and their significance in determining our health.

Dieser Buchtitel ist Teil des Digitalisierungsprojekts Springer Book Archives mit Publikationen, die seit den Anfangen des Verlags von 1842 erschienen sind. Der Verlag stellt mit diesem Archiv Quellen fur die historische wie auch die disziplingeschichtliche Forschung zur Verfugung, die jeweils im historischen Kontext betrachtet werden mussen. Dieser Titel erschien in der Zeit vor 1945 und wird daher in seiner zeittypischen politisch-ideologischen Ausrichtung vom Verlag nicht beworben.