Most studies of bacterial or fungal infectious diseases focus separately on the pathogenic microbe, the host response, or the characterization of therapeutic compounds. Compartmentalization of pathogenesis-related research into an analysis of the "pathogen", the "host," or the "antimicrobial compound" has largely been dictated by the lack of model systems in which all of these approaches can be used simultaneously, as well as by the traditional view that microbiology, immunology, and chemical biology and pharmacology are separate disciplines. An increasing number of workers from different fields have turned to insects, fish, worms and other model hosts as facile, ethically expedient, relatively simple, and inexpensive hosts to model a variety of human infectious diseases and to study host responses and innate immunity. Because many of these hosts are genetically tractable, they can be used in conjunction with an appropriate pathogen to facilitate the discovery of novel features of the host innate immune response. This book provides a series of reports from the 1st International Conference on Model Hosts. This first of its kind meeting focused on invertebrate, vertebrate and amoeboid systems used for the study of host-pathogen interactions, virulence and immunity, as well as on the relevance of these pathogenesis systems and mammalian models. Importantly, a common, fundamental set of molecular mechanisms is employed by a significant number of microbial pathogens against a widely divergent array of metazoan hosts. Moreover, the evolutionarily conserved immune responses of these model hosts have contributed important insights to our understanding of the innate immune response of mammals. This book provides a series of reports from the 1st International Conference on Model Hosts. This first of its kind meeting focused on invertebrate, vertebrate and amoeboid systems used for the study of host-pathogen interactions, virulence and immunity, as well as on the relevance of these pathogenesis systems and mammalian models. Importantly, a common, fundamental set of molecular mechanisms is employed by a significant number of microbial pathogens against a widely divergent array of metazoan hosts. Moreover, the evolutionarily conserved immune responses of these model hosts have contributed important insights to our understanding of the innate immune response of mammals.

The future of agriculture strongly depends on our ability to enhance productivity without sacrificing long-term production potential. An ecologically and economically sustainable strategy is the application of microorganisms, such as the diverse bacterial species of plant growth promoting bacteria (PGPB). The use of these bio-resources for the enhancement of crop productivity is gaining worldwide importance. "Bacteria in Agrobiology: Plant Nutrient Management" focus on the management of plant nutrient to support plant growth and development. The topics treated in this book include mechanisms of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria, zinc and phosphate solubilizing microorganisms, sulfur oxidizing bacteria, ACC deaminase, siderophores, phytohormones, quorum-sensing, biofilms, antibiotics, volatiles, denitrification and integrated nutrient management.

The genus Clostridium represents a heterogeneous group of anaerobic spore-forming bacteria, comprising prominent toxin-producing species, such as C. difficile, C. botulinum, C. tetani, and C. perfringens, in addition to well-known non-pathogens like solventogenic C. acetobutylicum. In the last decade, several clostridial genomes have been deciphered and post-genomic studies are currently underway. The advent of newly developed, genetic manipulation tools have permitted functional-based and systems biology analyses of several clostridial strains. Research in this area is at a very exciting stage. In this book, internationally recognized Clostridium experts critically review the most important aspects of clostridial research, providing the first coherent picture of the organism's molecular and cellular biology in this post-genomic era. The first major focus of the book is the genetics and molecular biology of the major clostridial toxins including: botulinum and tetanus neurotoxins, C. difficile large exotoxins, C. perfringens enterotoxin, pore-forming and binary bacterial toxins. Other topics include molecular epidemiology of C. botulinum and C. difficile, metabolic networks in C. acetobutylicum, development of genetic knock-out systems for clostridia, surface structures, anti tumor potential of clostridia, and antibiotic resistance determinants in C. difficile.

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 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 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 volume provides readers with the latest information on the advances made in the field of rhodopsins. The chapters in this book cover topics such as new discoveries and developments; new ways to search for rhodopsins; methods to characterize the function and structure of rhodopsins on a molecular level; nano volume high throughput in meso crystallization, and fourth generation x-ray synchrotron sources. 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. Cutting-edge and thorough, Rhodopsin: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for any scientist and researcher interested in learning more about this developing field.

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.

Biofilms are naturally occurring clusters of microorganisms that stick to non-biological surfaces, like rocks in a stream. This book contains eight chapters that examine biofilms from a variety of perspectives, including the latest research in this field. Chapter One comprehensively studies the role of endophytic microbes as a potential and alternative source of antimicrobial and antibiofilm bioactive components. Chapter Two discusses how to manage oral microbial biofilm using chemical and herbal medicine. Chapter Three highlights the importance of marine biofouling and the role of coccoid cyanobacteria in this process. Chapter Four focuses on biofilm development, its impact on human health and the problems that are associated with biofilm control. Chapter Five examines microbial biofilms and their role in the environment including agriculture and bioremediation. Chapter Six reviews natural terpenoids and provides descriptions of their structural origin, biological roles and multifunctional properties, such as promoting activity on health-beneficial bacteria. Chapter Seven explains the concepts of biofilm development and the importance of honey and its implications in human health and disease control. Chapter Eight thoroughly studies the potential of honey as antibiofilm, anti-quorum sensing and dispersal agent.

The abundance of sulfate-reducing bacteria and archaea (SRBA) is impressive and new isolates are being reported continuously. A few decades ago, only two genera of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) had been identified. As of 2018, 92 genera containing more than 420 species of SRB have been isolated and characterized and there are several species of archaea. This book addresses the development of the research with SRBA and includes historical background of this field. Biochemical characterization of the enzymes, cytochromes and electron carriers involved with dissimilatory sulfate reduction are reviewed and the presence of relevant genes in cultured and uncultured SRBA are assessed using genome analysis. The contributions of transmembrane electron transport complexes as related to cell energetics are discussed. This book highlights the unique cellular and molecular features of the SRBA and discusses the biochemical interactions behind their metabolic capabilities which enable SRBA to grow in extreme environments. Examples are provided to detoxify and alleviate pollution situations, to evaluate mechanisms proposed for corrosion of ferrous metals and to examine the effects of SRB on human and animal hosts.

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 encyclopaedia is composed of 11 volumes, and a total of 161 chapters, and provides the latest research in bacteriology written by authors from all over the world.

This updated second edition of Molecular Typing in Bacterial Infections, presented in two volumes, covers both common and neglected bacterial pathogenic agents, highlighting the most effective methods for their identification and classification in the light of their specific epidemiology. New chapters have been included to add new species, as well as another view of how bacterial typing can be used. These books are valuable resources for the molecular typing of infectious disease agents encountered in both research and hospital clinical laboratory settings, as well as in culture collections and in the industry. Each of the 21 chapters provides an overview of specific molecular approaches to efficiently detect and type different bacterial pathogens. The chapters are grouped in five parts, covering respiratory and urogenital pathogens (Volume I), and gastrointestinal and healthcare-associated pathogens, as well as a new group of vector-borne and Biosafety level 3 pathogens including a description of typing methods used in the traditional microbiology laboratory in comparison to molecular methods of epidemiology (Volume II). Comprehensive and updated, Molecular Typing in Bacterial Infections provides state-of-the-art methods for accurate diagnosis and for the correct classification of different types which will prove to be critical in unravelling the transmission routes of human pathogens.

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.

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 book provides a comprehensive overview of pertussis - also known as whooping cough. The first part discusses the evolution the genus Bordetellae and the molecular epidemiology of B. pertussis, while the following chapters focus on the role of B. pertussis virulence factors in infection and disease and on the mechanisms of the immune response to infection and vaccination. The book also explores the prevention and control of the disease as well as its clinical management, with the finally section addressing vaccination, from improved immunization strategies to novel vaccines. Pertussis remains one of the most poorly controlled vaccine-preventable diseases around the globe. Universal vaccination has dramatically reduced its incidence but has failed to bring it completely under control. In recent decades, changes in pertussis epidemiology have been noted, likely related to the use of acellular pertussis vaccines, which in many countries have replaced older-generation, whole-cell pertussis vaccines. Several years after their introduction, it is becoming apparent that immunity conferred by acellular vaccines wanes more rapidly than expected. Unlike whole-cell vaccines, acellular vaccines, while protecting against the disease, do not seem to prevent colonization and transmission. Increasing incidence among adolescents and adults makes them a reservoir for transmission to unimmunized infants, who in turn are at risk of severe disease and death. This book is a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians in the field of medical microbiology, vaccine research and infectious diseases.

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 recent advances in our understanding of the role of oxidants in microbial pathophysiology, providing valuable insights into the complex role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in host-microbial interactions. The various chapters take readers through the function of ROS in infections ranging from viral to bacterial, and describe how microorganisms have developed complex strategies to not only avoid contact with phagocyte-derived oxidants, but also protect themselves from injury when oxidants are encountered. Featuring the latest research in the field of microbial diseases, this timely book is a ready reference for scientists looking to develop new anti-microbial drugs.

La presente compilation analyse les instruments internationaux relatifs a l'utilisation des agents antimicrobiens tout au long de leur cycle de vie, et l'impact de ces derniers sur la sante humaine et animale et sur l'environnement. Elle identifie les normes et instruments existants pour a la fois guider leur application et eclairer les discussions et l'orientation des futurs instruments internationaux traitant de l'utilisation des antimicrobiens. Cette compilation est structuree en function du cycle de vie des agents antimicrobiens: de leur production jusqu'a l'autorisation de leur mise sur le marche et leur approbation reglementaire, a leur selection, leur achat et leur approvisionnement, a leur usage responsable et prudent et pour finir a leur elimination par l'utilisateur final. Les instruments relatifs a l'environnement sont inclus tout au long de ce cycle de vie puisque tout rejet d'antimicrobiens dans l'environnement peut se produire aux differents stades de leur cycle de vie, de leur deversement dans l'environnement au cours de leur production jusqu'a l'elimination des produits perimes et des dechets et eaux usees associes. En ce qui concerne la methode de collecte des informations, la premiere recherche a consiste a examiner les bases de donnees et les instruments d'organisations internationales chefs de file dans la question de la resistance aux antimicrobiens, en particulier l'OIE, la FAO, le PNUE et l'OMS.