This detailed volume spotlights methods to investigate a variety of virus-host interactions in humans, other mammals, fish, or insects. It explores viruses such as white spot syndrome virus (WSSV), honeybee viruses, Nipah virus, EBV, SVCV, HSV-1, HIV-1, A H1N1, and SARS-CoV-2, as well as applications of techniques such as qPCR, serum antibody responses, 4C analysis, cell membrane fusion, biosensors, computational modelling, quantitative proteomics, and other genetic tools to decipher those viral infections and interactions. 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 and readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Virus-Host Interactions: Methods and Protocols serves as a valuable resource for researchers both in academia and in the biosciences industry who are engaged in the search for a better understanding of threatening virus-hosts interactions, virus detection, their characterization, and ultimately their taming and control.

Infections caused by fungi have recently attracted the attention of both clinicians and basic researchers given the heavy burden they represent for any health system. The mortality and morbidity rates associated to mycosis are progressively rising simply because some of these diseases are still neglected by health-care workers and due to the changing sensitivity to antifungal drugs displayed by these organisms. In this book, both researchers and clinicians working in the medical mycology field explore the most recent literature about specific mycosis; placing in one concise chapter thoroughly revisions of the current knowledge on virulence factors, recognition by immune cells, immunoevasion, epidemiology, new diagnosis trends and therapeutics. This book is recommended to researchers, physicians and students interested in medical mycology.

Reports of influenza-like illnesses date back to the Middle Ages, and outbreaks of influenza likely afflicted humans long before that. Over the last half century, influenza virus research has led to the development of two classes of antivirals - ion channel and neuraminidase inhibitors. Recently, a method of the artificial generation of an influenza virus was established. This system has been instrumental in the development of novel influenza vaccines and in the understanding of viral pathogenicity and the functions of viral proteins. Influenza Virus: Methods and Protocols summarizes the current techniques that have made this progress possible, ranging from protocols for virus isolation, growth, and subtyping to procedures for the efficient generation of any influenza virus. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology (TM) series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Influenza Virus: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with the techniques used in numerous laboratories around the world that are, thus, the building blocks that underpin almost all influenza virus research.

This book explores the broad and diverse biological and physiological impacts of established and newly discovered cyclic di-nucleotide second messenger signaling systems, while also providing descriptions of the intriguing biochemical characteristics of multiple turnover enzymes and receptors. The respective chapters discuss the commonalities and diversity of cyclic di-GMP, cyclic di-AMP and recently discovered cyclic GMP-AMP signaling systems in manifold Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. The global human pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Streptococcus pneumoniae, the facultative human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, global plant pathogens as exemplified by Xanthomonas campestris and Burkholderia spp., and the omnipresent probiotic Lactobacilli, as well as environmentally important photoautotrophic cyanobacteria, the multicellular Myxococcus xanthus, and chemolithotrophic Acidithiobacillus are among the representatives of the microbial kingdom that are described. In turn, the various aspects of bacterial physiology affected by these signaling systems- e.g. biofilm formation and dispersal, the cell cycle, motility, virulence, production of antimicrobials, fundamental metabolism and osmohomeostasis - are discussed in detail in the context of different microorganisms. Dedicated chapters focus on the population diversity of cyclic dinucleotide signaling systems, their tendency to be horizontally transferred, the cyclic di-GMP signaling system in the social amoeba Dictyostelium, honorary cyclic (di)nucleotides, and the development of strategies for interfering with cyclic dinucleotide signaling in order to manipulate microbial behavior. Taken together, the chapters provide an authoritative source of information for a broad readership: beginners and advanced researchers from various disciplines; individuals seeking a broad overview of cyclic di-nucleotide signaling; and those who want to learn more about specific aspects. Also featuring reviews with a forward-looking perspective, the book offers a valuable source of inspiration for future research directions.

This volume on enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) and bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is the second in our series "Developments in Veterinary Virology." Each book in this series is devoted to a major virus disease of agricultural significance. The chapters in each volume are planned to supply information on a range of subjects from pathogenesis of the causative virus to vaccination, eradication, and rules regarding disease control. The present volume on enzootic bovine leukosis and bovine leukemia virus updates the reader on the disease and its causative agent and includes the nucleotide sequence of the BLV genome as well as data on its integration into the DNA of the tumor cell. Insights into diagnosis, veterinary legislation, and the economic aspects of EBL are also provided. Intense research conducted on EBL and BLV during the course of a decade is presented in a most concise and in-depth manner, so as to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of this economically important disease of cattle. I wish to thank the editors, A. Burny and M. Mammerickx, as well as all the authors, for making this excellent book available at a stage when the knowledge on bovine leukemia virus will also contribute to our understanding of the virus causing human AIDS.

Any branch of biology depends for its progress on the development of new concepts and to a lesser, but sometimes crucial, extent on the elimination of erroneous notions. Understanding the roles of bacteria required first the observation that such minute creatures existed, and subsequently the exper imental demonstrations that their presence was necessary for the occurrence of particular phenomena. In this first volume, the authors review the development of scientific understanding of the role of microbes as agents of diverse natural processes. Notably absent is a separate review of the history of microbes as agents of disease, a his tory available in many other publications. Regrettably absent is a review of the his tory of microbes as agents of inorganic transformations, a serious omission that resulted from the illness of the prospective author late in the preparation of this volume. The topic will of course be treated in later volumes, although not predominantly in a historical manner. Otherwise, the emphasis in this volume is on the history of understanding interrelationships between modes of bacterial existence and the inanimate environment. These relationships were established long be fore multicellular, differentiated or ganisms appeared as potential microbial habitats, and their recognition and elucidation contributed greatly to the widened appreciation of bacterial di versity and the importance of these simpler creatures to the physiochemical conditions of the biosphere."

This detailed volume presents timely and authoritative content offering a comprehensive overview of the current state of the art in fungal diagnostics. Moreover, it addresses on-going developments expected to provide a basis for targeted treatment strategies resulting in improved outcome of invasive mycoses. The knowledge of host-related predisposing factors and stratified treatment options facilitating timely onset of adequate antifungal therapy are critical for successful clinical management and outcome of invasive fungal disease (IFD), requiring not only rapid diagnosis of a fungal infection and identification of the causative species, but also assessment of pathogen/host factors related to pathogenicity, susceptibility, and response to treatment. 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 protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Human Fungal Pathogen Identification: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal reference for researchers investigating the ever-growing worldwide healthcare problems involving fungal infections.

This book focuses on the envelope of Gram-positive bacteria including its composition, the latest discoveries in the mechanisms behind its assembly, and its role in pathogenesis. Furthermore, new applications in biotechnology and vaccine development involving these bacteria are discussed in detail. This concise volume consists of eleven chapters by prominent experts in the field, which review the latest findings and current state of knowledge on a range of diverse yet interlinked aspects. This book is written for all researchers, clinicians and technicians engaged in basic or applied science projects on Gram-positive bacteria.

Achieving good clinical outcomes with implanted biomaterials depends upon achieving optimal function, both mechanical and biological, which in turn depends upon integrating advances realized in biological science, material science, and tissue engineering. As these advances push back the frontiers of biomaterial medicine , the control and patterning of bio-implant interface reactions will have a tremendous impact on future design and prospects of implant treatments.

Bio-Implant Interface: Improving Biomaterials and Tissue Reactions brings together a remarkable panel of scientists to present the state of the art in our understanding of interactions at the interface between biomaterials and living tissue. Much of the focus is on the importance of the implant surface's topography and chemistry to its interaction with the biological environment. Biomineralization along with the biological content of the interface and its role in directing cellular response along desired pathways also receive particular attention.

The pursuit of new and better designs for improved biocompatibility and patient response to implants continues to challenge clinicians and scientists alike. This book offers a unique opportunity to bring yourself up to date on recent advances in the field and new strategies for controlling the bio-implant interface.

This volume focuses on apoptotic and non-apoptotic programmed cell death, including necroptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis, and presents recent findings in the field. It discusses the crucial role that apoptotic and non-apoptotic cell death play in various pathological conditions, such as skin diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and virus infections. Further, it highlights the mechanisms underlying the recognition and clearance of dead cells, and the subsequent biological responses triggered by phagocytosed macrophages and factors released from dying cells. Offering insights into cell death, it is a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians developing novel strategies to treat various diseases that are closely associated with cell death.

The book gives a comprehensive overview on the knowledge of virus infection relevant for humans and animals. For each virus family the molecular details of the virus particle and the viral replication cycle are described. In the case of virus types with relevance for human and/or animal health the data on molecular biology, genetics and virus-cell interaction are combined with those concerning, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinics, prevention and therapy.

Measles virus, one of the most contagious of all human viruses, has been largely contained by the development and use of a vaccine that was introduced 50 years ago. These two volumes were timed to honor the introduction of the vaccine and to record the enormous advancements made in understanding the molecular and cell biology, pathogenesis, and control of this infectious disease. Where vaccine has been effectively delivered, endemic measles virus transmission has been eliminated. However, difficulties in vaccine delivery, lack of health care support and objection to vaccination in some communities continue to result in nearly 40 million cases and over 300,000 deaths per year from measles.

By itself measles virus infection has and still provides some of the most interesting phenomena in biology. Following infection of dendritic cells, measles virus causes a profound suppression of the host s immune response that lasts a number of months after apparent recovery from infection. Indeed, measles virus was the first virus to be associated with immunosuppression with many of the manifestations to be observed one hundred years later with HIV infection. Measles is also associated with development of both post-infectious encephalomyelitis, an autoimmune demyelinating disease, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, a slowly progressive neurodegenerative disorder. How measles virus infects cells, spreads to various tissues and causes disease, as well as the role of the immune response, generation of new vaccines, and use as a vector for gene delivery are topics covered in these two volumes. "

This book covers the wide set of well-regulated virulence factors and defense mechanisms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa focusing on stress responses and the evolution of this opportunistic human pathogen. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is responsible for one out of ten hospital infections. Additionally, this Gram-negative bacterium is accountable for persistent infections in immunocompromised individuals and the leading cause of chronic lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients. This book provides insight on the metabolic versatility of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and its mechanisms for biofilm formation that make this organism highly efficient in causing infections. The book invites the readers to learn more about the intrinsic ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to resist a wide variety of antimicrobial agents due to the concerted action of multidrug efflux pumps, antibiotic-degrading enzymes, and the low permeability of bacterial cellular envelopes. Particular focus is put on the evolutionary role of different types of protein-secretion systems in pathogenesis, flagella and their role in chemotaxis and surface sensing, and host-pathogen interactions. This book is a useful introduction to the field for junior scientists interested in the biology and pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It is also an interesting read for advanced scientists and medical specialists working within this field, providing a broader view of the topic beyond their specific area of specialization.

The successful prophylaxis and treatment of ubiquitous respiratory infections is essential for the enhancement of public health. The chapters provide new insights into the biology of causative pathogens, tackle the epidemiological aspects, and present an update on diagnostics, prevention and therapy of infections. The emerging new pathogens and antibiotic resistance of the old ones are discussed. Novel markers of the severity of community acquired pneumonia, which bears high morbidity and mortality, also are presented.

Stresses molecular and biochemical studies of opportunistic and frank fungal pathogens
This book gives a comprehensive overview of human pathogenic fungi that offers a current and concise survey of virulence factors, host responses and recognition, treatment and diagnosis of infections, invasive enzymes, intracellular survival, morphogenesis, adaptation, and properties of major fungal pathogens that contribute to disease.
Focuses on human fungal infections, including candidiasis, pneumocystosis, aspergillosis, and cryptococcosis.
With over 3700 references to accommodate continuing study, Fungal Pathogenesis
covers natural and acquired immunity, vaccine development, and immune reconstitution
outlines rapid identification of major mycoses utilizing antigen capture and molecular assays
details signaling and phenotypic switching
discusses the value of genomics in validation
highlights state-of-the-art molecular methodologies to study disease-causing organisms
describes available and potential antifungal drug targets and drug development
considers predicting the consequences of drug resistance on patient management
presents topical observations on strain typing and variation
and more
Containing research into the virulence, immunity, diagnosis, and therapy of most common fungal infections, Fungal Pathogenesis is an unparalleled reference for microbiologists, virologists, pathologists and phytopathologists, infectious disease specialists, molecular and cell biologists, biochemists, immunologists, medical mycologists, biotechnologists, and geneticists, and an exceptional text for upper-level undergraduate, graduate, and medical school students in these disciplines.

Bacteria and fungi are able to aggregate together or on surfaces in densely packed microcolonies, facilitated by extracellular polymeric substances for cell protection and stability. These biofilms have proven to be extremely hard to eradicate and remove once established. In chronic infections, this condition can result in a high degree of morbidity and mortality as regular antibiotic treatments are ineffective against biofilms. In industrial facilities, the formation of biofilms can ruin production and result in enormous financial losses. In this book, the current state of antibiofilm research is presented by experts from around the world. Novel, cutting-edge techniques and new optimized strategies based on established methods are discussed in chapters focused on biofilm prevention, treatment and control for the application in clinical, industrial and veterinary settings. Antibiofilm strategies, such as chemical and enzymatic treatments, surface modification and coatings, quorum sensing inhibition and dispersal induction, phage therapy, cold plasma treatment, hyperbaric oxygen treatment, and metal-based nanomedicine are covered, among many others. This book contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being and is a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, microbiologists, academics and for educators to inform curricula of universities and colleges.

Research on antiviral drugs and their mode of action in infected cells. in animals and in man. has led to a better understanding of the molecular pro cesses involved in virus replication. Screeninq of large numbers of natural and semisynthetic compounds resulted in the characterization of certain sub stances that had a limited efficiency as antiviral druqs. A few chemically synthesized compounds were also found to be effective as antiviral agents in the chemotherapy of human virus diseases. A major difficulty in the develop ment of effective antiviral agents has been the lack of selectivity. and toxicity for uninfected cells. of drugs that effectively inhibited virus replication in vitro. Further understanding of the molecular processes of virus replication in infected cells has resulted in the development of new antivirals directed at virus-coded enzymes or proteins. Recent studies on antivirals that are activated by the herpes simplex virus type l-coded thy midine kinase from a prod rug to an antiviral drug have opened new directions in the development of effective antiviral drugs. The present book deals with a number of antiviral drugs effective against herpes simplex viruses and provides some insight into the molecular aspects of virus replication. It also throws light on the new approaches to the development of antiviral drugs. The molecular basis of the antiviral activity of new and known drugs and their possible use in chemotherapy of viral disease are presented in this book."

Combining the disciplines of biological, physical and chemical science, microbial forensics has a rapidly rising profile in a world increasingly troubled by the threat of 'biocrime' and 'bioterrorism'. This valuable resource is a major addition to a body of literature reckoned to lack sufficient breadth. It presents a variety of phenotypic and trace signature methodologies associated with cultured microorganisms that, despite being genetically identical, may be characterized by differing cultural environments. One of the central challenges faced by those working in this field is the sheer diversity of potentially harmful agents, which in themselves total more than 1000 viruses, bacteria, fungi and protozoan parasites. Their numerous additional variants render the process of 'fingerprinting' biological agents notoriously difficult, especially when the limitations of genetic analysis are factored in. Attribution of crime is relatively easy through human DNA, but lacking the genetic individuation of humans and animals, microbial forensics has to complement phylogenetic techniques with chemical and physical ones. In the best case, genetic analysis in the 'biocrime' sector can exclude sources, narrow the population of possible sources and support associations with potential sources. To complement these genetic techniques, chemical and physical methods can be used to compare 'signatures' imparted to microbial samples by environments in which they are grown and processed. Collating a range of microbiological fingerprinting techniques in one volume, and covering everything from statistical analysis to laboratory protocols, this publication furthers the aim of forensic investigators who need robust and legally admissible forensic evidence to present in a courtroom.

This volume brings together contributions from experts in the field of Pasteurella research. Its covers areas such as comparative genomics, pathogenic mechanisms, bacterial proteomics, as well as a detailed description and analysis of PMT and its interaction with host tissues, cells, immune system, and signalling pathways.

This detailed volume explores the application of multiplex biomarker methods in the critical area of COVID-19 research through state-of-the-art technologies in the fields of genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, and imaging. The book features a series of protocols from labs across the globe employing multiplex molecular approaches, which can be applied to accelerate progress in the research of SARS-CoV-2 and other infectious illnesses. 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 essential, Multiplex Biomarker Techniques: Methods and Applications for COVID-19 Disease Diagnosis and Risk Stratification serves as a vital resource for researchers in the areas of virology, metabolic diseases, respiratory disorders, as well as to clinical scientists, physicians, pharmacologists, and the healthcare services.

This volume is devoted to the application of microorganisms in medical treatment and health protection. Topics discussed include the role of probiotics in immune modulation, in prevention of influenza, and in atopic dermatitis. Further chapters cover aspects such as the relation of the gut microbiome and stress, the immune system, the regulation of inflammation, the benefits of Bifidobacterium for infants, and bacteriocin in medical applications, as well as the use of in vitro models of the gastrointestinal tract, omics approaches for targeting microbial health potential and the production of hepatitis B vaccines. This volume will be of particular interest to scientists working in the fields of clinical medicine, applied microbiology, pharmacy and public health.

Through the use of molecular and cellular biological techniques, numerous advances have been made in understanding the molecular basis of virulence mechanisms and toxin biosynthesis in organisms that contaminate food and feed. Microbial Foodborne Diseases: Mechanisms of Pathogenesis and Toxin Synthesis serves as an advanced text on these techniques, providing useful, up-to-date information by recognized authorities on the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and toxin production of some of the most important foodborne pathogens. This book focuses on the molecular and cellular processes that govern pathogenicity and toxin production in foodborne and waterborne pathogens - viral, bacterial, fungal, and protozoan. It also includes current information related to the association of each pathogen with particular foods and water, epidemiology, methods of early detection, toxicology, and economic impact of the pathogen. It not only serves as an excellent reference, it is also a valuable tool in the rational design of preventative controls and therapeutic approaches to the disease process.

depth overview of the retrovirus family. I have greatly enjoyed and learned from this experience. Each chapter is an excellent introduction to the topic covered and provides a good foundation for further work in the field. Jay A. Levy University of California School of Medicine San Francisco, California REFERENCES Brown, E. W., Yuhki, N., Packer, C., and O'Brien, S. J., 1994, A lion lentivirus related to feline immunodeficiency virus: Epidemiologic and phylogenetic aspects, ,. Viral. 68:5953-5968. Merza, M., Larsson, E., Steen, M., and Morein, B., 1994, Association of a retrovirus with a wasting condition in the Swedish moose, Virology 202:956-961. Contents Chapter 1 The Human Immunodeficiency Viruses Edward Barker, Susan W Barnett, Leonidas Stamatatos, and Jay A. Levy I. Introduction .................................................... 1 TI. Description of Agent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 A. Virus Structure .............................................. 2 B. Genetic Organization and Gene Function ...................... 2 TIL Transmission.................................................... 7 A. General Observations ........................................ 7 B. HIV Transmission by Blood and Blood Products ................ 8 C. HIV Transmission by Genital Fluids ........................... 10 D. HIV Transmission by Other Body Fluids ....................... 12 E. Mother-to-Child Transmission ................................ 12 IV. HIV Infection of the Cell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. Introduction ................................................. 13 B. HIV-Cell Interaction............ ............... .............. 15 C. CD4-Induced gp120 Conformational Changes .................. 16 D. Soluble CD4-Induced gp120-gp41 Dissociation..... ............ 16 E. gp120 Proteolytic Cleavage ................................... 17 F. pH-Independent Membrane Fusion ............................ 19 G. Transmission of HIV by Cell-to-Cell Fusion.................... 19 H. Additional Cell Surface Receptors for HIV ..................... 20 I. The Envelope Region and Cell Tropism ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 . . . .

Offering a basis for further research into the interactions of hosts and pathogens, this work gathers up-to-date findings, and details basic structures, functions and immunology. It provides descriptions of a variety of experimental endotoxin neutralizing agents, as well as a guide to clinical research initiatives and the latest treatments.