Molecular Biology has proved to be one of the more fruitful technological approaches to science, being both very powerful and able to generate valuable intellectual property. This book aims to present examples in the application of molecular biology and genetic engineering in bacteriology. The book discusses the diverse roles of bacteria in ecosystems and it gives significant contributions from biotechnology approaches.

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.

Plant diseases are a threat to agriculture and food production on a global scale. Significant yield losses have been recorded due to plant pathogens in most agriculture and horticulture crops. The effective management of these diseases is very difficult. As such, it is important to understand fundamental concepts of the management of plant diseases caused by bacteria. Bacteriology is a subdivision of microbiology and involves the documentation, description, and identification of bacteria. This book covers recent updates on the morphology, classification, genetics, ecology, and biochemistry of bacteria as well as the basic molecular concepts of bacteriology. This book has a futuristic approach and will help scholars understand the symptoms, mechanisms, and effective management of diseases caused by bacterial pathogens. This book is useful for students and researchers of plant sciences, botany, microbiology, pathology, agriculture science, veterinary science, medical science, and other allied areas.

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.

Actinomycetes are a versatile group of Gram positive bacteria widely distributed in the terrestrial and aquatic environments. The specialty of the actinomycetes is that they have a mycelial appearance unlike most bacteria. This group of bacteria is well known for their ability to produce a range of bioactive molecules, including antibiotics and various kinds of enzymes. As they are known for their ability to produce various antibiotics, the actinomycetes are widely explored by various research groups in search of novel drug molecules. Since the cultivation and maintenance of actinobacteria are not that easy as in the case of other bacteria, they are rather underexplored. With the frequent emergence of multidrug resistant bacteria, which are outpacing the discovery of new antibiotics, there is a renewed interest in actinomycetes from special habitats such as extreme habitats in the marine environment, salt pans, geothermal springs, permanently frozen polar environments etc. Endophytic actinomycetes are also attracting the attention of current researchers in this field. This book titled "A Closer Look at Actinomycetes" is a compilation of articles which deals with interesting topics such as "actinomycetes as microbial drug factories", endophytic fungi from special habitats of Pakistan as well as strategies for exploration of actinomycetes diversity and the taxonomy of actinomycetes should be of great interest to those who are interested in Actinomycetes research. People with interest in general microbiology will also find it an interesting read.

Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are a heterologous group of microorganisms that have been isolated from numerous ecological niches, including fermented foods, plants, and the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Because of their "generally regarded as safe" status (GRAS), there has been great interest in using these microorganisms in food production, as probiotic microorganisms or as biotechnological tools. This book describes some of the many benefits of LAB including i) their use in foods where advances in the fight against spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in foods, their thermotolerance, their microencapsulation, and responses to osmotic challenges will be discussed; ii) their capacity to produce beneficial compounds including bioactive peptides, biosurfactants, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and antimicrobial products such as organic acids, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins, and peptidoglycan hydrolases; and iii) their effect on health and other applications such as their use as a DNA vaccine delivery system, bile-salt hydrolase, and exopolysaccharides production as well as the use of spore forming LAB. This new book is a compilation of topics that have been written by experts from all over the world (Argentina, Brazil, Greece, Mexico, and Thailand) who work in different research settings offering varying viewpoints on the most up-to-date information currently available on the uses and many benefits of Lactic Acid Bacteria.

The bacterium Salmonella enterica is a serious bacterial pathogen and causative agent of salmonellosis infections on a worldwide scale. Many clinical isolates of S. entericaS. enterica. Following this, the strengths and limitations of the available molecular tools for effective epidemiological assessment of foodborne salmonellae are collected and critically discussed. Such integration would allow accurate identification of both infection source and transmission route that would lead to implementation of effective control measures. Additionally, the role of Salmonella enterica as a possible therapeutic alternative in the fight against cancer. Although Salmonella enterica tumor selectivity remains unclear, pre-clinical and clinical trials have shown its localization in solid, semi-solid and metastatic tumours. The final chapter reviews some mechanisms and recent trends in the spread of multidrug resistant Salmonella enterica. serovar in Nigeria. Antibiotic use both in animal and human medicine and environmental factors, all have a role in the emergence, persistence and spread of resistance.

This current book provides an overview of current research on bacteriophages. Chapter One discusses bacteriophages of pathogenic vibrios, identification and differentiation. Chapter Two reviews recent literature about the application of phages for the biocontrol of microorganisms in meat and meat products, with a particular emphasis on chicken, beef and pork in order to shed light on the efficacy of such strategy for the prevention and/or eradication of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms in foods and food processing environments. Chapter Three studies the synthesis of the divalent cation requirements for efficient adsorption of bacteriophage onto bacterial cells. Chapter Four focuses on the isolation and evaluation of the lytic spectrum of bacteriophages active against food-borne bacteria. Chapter Five presents data about the history and present-day of using bacteriophage preparations in treatment and prevention of various infectious diseases, in particular of suppurative-inflammatory diseases of the respiratory organs. Chapter Six reviews phagebiotics in treatment and prophylaxis of healthcare-associated infections.

Microbial biofilms are populations of microorganisms that are found on solid-liquid interface and are typically surrounded by a matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). The aggregates of cells not firmly attached to a surface are sometimes termed flocs and have the same characteristics as biofilms. Bacteria in the biofilms produce an extracellular matrix and this contributes to ~90% of the biofilm biomass. They are found in all environments such as marine, freshwater, industrial surfaces, domestic appliances exposed to tap water and wastewater, dental surfaces, medical implants etc. This book discusses the characterization, applications and recent advances in the study of biofilms.

Bacteria belonging to the genus Klebsiella have a dual role in human pathophysiology. Some of the strains are potent opportunistic pathogens capable of causing severe illnesses, whereas a majority of the klebsiellas belong to our normal flora, particularly in our alimentary tract. In this book, the authors present current research in the study of the epidemiology, pathogenesis and clinical outcomes of klebsiella infections. Topics discussed include interactions of klebsiella sp. with other intestinal flora; C-9154 derivatives with potent in vitro biological activity against klebsiella pneumoniae; treatment strategies for infections caused by carbapenem resistance and pandrug resistant klebsiella isolates; clinical characteristics of klebsiella pneumoniae pneumonia in alcoholic patients and virulence factors of the isolates; klebsiella pneumoniae endogenous endophthalmitis; klebsiella pneumoniae liver abscess; virulence mechanisms of the klebsiella; and multi-drug resistant klebsiella pneumoniae and K. oxytoca strains in Russian hospitals.

This book presents topical research in the study of E. coli infections, including urinary tract infections caused by E. coli; aptamer-based detection and therapeutics to prevent and treat E. coli infections; Lactoferrin as a novel natural host defence protein; enterotoxigenic escherichia coli colonisation factors and the prevention of E. coli using organic acids.

Bacteria are a large group of unicellular micro-organisms. Most bacteria have a single circular chromosome that can range in size. DNA is organised into chromosomes and, in organisms other than bacteria, it is found only in the cell nucleus. Deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA)is a nucleic acid that contains the genetic instructions used in the development and functioning of all known living organisms and some viruses. Their main role is the long-term storage of information. DNA is often compared to a set of blueprints or a code, since it contains the instructions needed to construct other components of cells. This book presents current research on bacterial DNA, DNA polymerase and DNA helicases.

More than eighty years ago, before we knew much about the structure of cells, Russian botanist Boris Kozo-Polyansky brilliantly outlined the concept of symbiogenesis, the symbiotic origin of cells with nuclei. It was a half-century later, only when experimental approaches that Kozo-Polyansky lacked were applied to his hypotheses, that scientists began to accept his view that symbiogenesis could be united with Darwin's concept of natural selection to explain the evolution of life. After decades of neglect, ridicule, and intellectual abuse, Kozo-Polyansky's ideas are now endorsed by virtually all biologists.

Kozo-Polyansky's seminal work is presented here for the first time in an outstanding annotated translation, updated with commentaries, references, and modern micrographs of symbiotic phenomena.

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, blue-green bacteria or cyanophyta, is a phylum of bacteria that obtain their energy through photosynthesis. They are a significant component of the marine nitrogen cycle and an important primary producer in many areas of the ocean, but are also found in habitats other than the marine environment; in particular, cyanobacteria are known to occur in both freshwater and hypersaline inland lakes. They are found in almost every conceivable environment, from oceans to fresh water to bare rock to soil. Cyanobacteria are the only group of organisms that are able to reduce nitrogen and carbon in aerobic conditions, a fact that may be responsible for their evolutionary and ecological success. Certain cyanobacteria also produce cyanotoxins. This new book presents a broad variety of international research on this important organism.

A bacteriophage is any one of a number of viruses that infect bacteria. The term is commonly used in its shortened form, phage. Typically, bacteriophages consist of an outer protein hull enclosing genetic material. The genetic material can be ssRNA (single stranded RNA), dsRNA, ssDNA, or dsDNA between 5 and 500 kilo base pairs long with either circular or linear arrangement. Bacteriophages are much smaller than the bacteria they destroy - usually between 20 and 200 nm in size. Phages are estimated to be the most widely distributed and diverse entities in the biosphere.[1] Phages are ubiquitous and can be found in all reservoirs populated by bacterial hosts, such as soil or the intestines of animals. One of the densest natural sources for phages and other viruses is sea water, where up to 9x108 virions per millilitre have been found in microbial mats at the surface, and up to 70% of marine bacteria may be infected by phages. They have been used for over 60 years as an alternative to antibiotics in the former Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. They are seen as a possible therapy against multi drug resistant strains of many bacteria. This book presents the latest research in this field from around the world.

A lethal germ is unleashed in the U.S. mail. A chain of letters spreads terror from Florida to Washington, D.C., from New York to Connecticut, from the halls of Congress to the assembly lines of the U.S. Postal Service. Five people die, and ten thousand more line up for antibiotics to protect against exposure. The government, already outsmarted by the terrorist hijackers of 9/11, leaves its workers vulnerable and a diabolical killer on the loose.

Based on hundreds of hours of interviews and a review of thousands of pages of government documents, "The Killer Strain is the definitive account of the year in which bioterrorism became a reality in the United States. Revealing the little-known victims and unsung heroes in the anthrax debacle, investigative reporter Marilyn Thompson also examines the FBI's slow-paced investigation of the crimes and the unprecedented scientific challenges posed by the case.

"The Killer Strain, more than just a thrilling read, is also a clarion wake-up call. It shows how billions of dollars and a decade of elaborate bioterror dress rehearsals meant nothing in the face of a real attack -- and how we may still be at risk.

Designed as an upper-level textbook and a reference for researchers, this important book concentrates on central concepts of the bacterial lifestyle. Taking a refreshingly new approach, it present an integrated view of the prokaryotic cell as an organism and as a member of an interacting population. Beginning with a description of cellular structures, the text proceeds through metabolic pathways and metabolic reactions to the genes and regulatory mechanisms. At a higher level of complexity, a discussion of cell differentiation processes is followed by a description of the diversity of prokaryotes and their role in the biosphere. A closing section deals with man and microbes (ie, applied microbiology).
The first text to adopt an integrated view of the prokaryotic cell as an organism and as a member of a population.
Vividly illustrates the diversity of the prokaryotic world - nearly all the metabolic diversity in living organisms is found in microbes.
New developments in applied microbiology highlighted.
Extensive linking between related topics allows easy navigation through the book.
Generously illustrated in two colours.
Essential definitions and conclusions highlighted.
Supplementary information in boxes.

A collection of 17 reproduced typescripts, most double spaced, without introduction or preface. The topics include a comparison of conventional typing with molecular typing of recent isolates of group B Streptococci from the UK, identifying a common structural binding domain in fibronectin-binding p

The Handbook of Laboratory Animal Bacteriology, Second Edition provides comprehensive information on all bacterial phylae found in laboratory rodents and rabbits to assist managers, veterinary pathologists and laboratory animal veterinarians in the management of these organisms. The book starts by examining the general aspects of bacteriology and how to sample and identify bacteria in animals. It then describes the most relevant species within each phylum and discusses the impact they may have on research. Emphasizing those bacteria known to interfere with research protocols, the book offers methods for isolation and differentiation among related bacteria. It discusses where to purchase reagents for rodent bacteriology and outlines standards for safety in a bacteriological laboratory. Highlights of the second edition: Focuses on modern sequencing techniques based on molecular identification Reorganizes content according to modern systematics based on new identification methods Presents new chapters on mechanisms behind bacterial impact on animal models and on the systematic classification of bacteria Provides information on a range of bacteria interfering with animal models for human disease, not only for those bacteria which cause disease in laboratory animal colonies Includes new figures in color and with enhanced resolution The book is essential reading for those interested in the management of organisms known to interfere with the colony health of rabbits and rodents used in research protocols-including facility managers, clinical veterinarians, veterinary pathologists, and researchers.

Bacterial surface or secreted polysaccharides are molecules that can function as barriers to protect bacterial cells against environmental stresses, as well as act as adhesins or recognition molecules. In some cases, these molecules are immunodominant antigens eliciting a vigorous immune response, while in other cases the expression of polysaccharides camouflages the bacteria from the immune system. Until recently, most studies on the enzymatic steps and regulation of these molecules were performed on the enteric gram negative bacteria Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. With the advent of modern bacterial genetics, techniques such as construction and characterization of polysaccharide mutants, cloning of genes and complementation of these mutations, and expression of polysaccharides in heterologous bacterial hosts has prompted investigations into the roles and functions of these molecules for many different bacteria. Here, we present the genetic analysis of polysaccharides from a number of bacteria pathogenic to humans and one symbiotic with plants in hopes that similarities in the experimental approaches as well as finding s from such investigations may lead to a general understanding of polysaccharide synthesis and regulation in various bacteria. Features

Alkali Cation Transport Systems in Prokaryotes is the first book that brings together the physiological, structural, and molecular biological aspects of the transport of sodium, potassium, and ammonium across the bacterial cell membrane. Sodium translocation plays a major role in energy coupling of some prokaryotes, and much of the book is devoted to new and exciting developments in this field. Over 30 experts have contributed to this excellent reference for microbiologists, biochemists, molecular biologists, cell biologists, chemotherapists, and researchers interested in bioenergetics.

The increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics, and pests to pesticides, threatens to undo some of the most remarkable advances made in public health and agriculture during the past century. Though the potential consequences of increased antibiotic and pesticide resistance are far reaching, regulatory efforts to address the problem are at a very early stage. Battling Resistance to Antibiotics and Pesticides moves such discussions forward by presenting cutting edge research and the first comprehensive application of economic tools to analyze how antibiotics and pesticides should be used to maximize their value to society. Laxminarayan and his contributors explore lessons from past experiences with resistance, especially in agriculture. They consider what incentives would be ideal for the individuals who prescribe or apply antibiotics and pesticides, and what would be ideal for the firms engaged in developing and producing these products. The chapters in this groundbreaking book reflect the fact that efforts to combat resistance will require contributions from a broad range of scholars and professionals, representing a broad range of expertise. The analysis demonstrates that, for all these participants, an understanding of economic issues is an essential complement to knowledge of medical or biological factors. The book provides economists with an overview of relevant scientific issues, as well as a variety of analytical approaches to studying the economics of resistance. It offers policymakers detailed analyses of the multiple dimensions of resistance and discusses the future strategies to combat and manage resistance. For professionals in medicine, public health, and agriculture, the book translates the economic approaches into usable guidance for daily practice and decisionmaking.