"Mycobacterium tuberculosis" is one of the most notorious pathogens on earth, causing the death of approximately 1.5 million people annually. A major problem in the fight against tuberculosis is the emergence of strains that have acquired resistance to all available antibiotics. One key to the success of "M. tuberculosis" as a pathogen is its ability to circumvent host immune responses at different levels. This is not only a result of the special makeup of "M. tuberculosis" in terms of genetic diversity and DNA metabolism and its possession of specialized secretion systems, but also of its ability to hijack the host s innate immune defence mechanisms.

In this volume, researchers from different disciplines provide a topical overview of the diverse mechanisms that contribute to the virulence of "M. tuberculosis," ranging from their genetic, metabolic and molecular makeup, as well as the complex strategies these bacteria utilize to escape immune destruction within infected hosts."

This text is an overall view of nematology because I believe the science should be treated as a unified discipline. The differences in the biological habits of nematodes do not justify the separation of plant nematologists and animal nematologists, since the separation is not a reflection of any difIerences inherent to nematodes. Therefore, the book is arranged with a format that in the beginning chapters illustrates the similarities and se- quence of development of morphological characters among nematodes regardless of their biological habits. The later chapters illustrate the in- tegration of the evolutionary development of the parasitie habit from related free-living forms. Nematology is probably the last major discipline to establish its inde- pendence from the parent science of zoology. This natural evolvement of nematology has occurred because of the overwhelming accumulation of sophisticated information and research that reflects the unique relation- ships of nematodes to other forms of plant and animal life as weH as their relationships in other facets of the environment. N ematodes are inverte- brate animals that, like insects, are unusual in their great numbers and varieties, their smaH size (generally microscopic), their high degree of internal organization, and their virtually ubiquitous distribution. They oc- cupy almost every ecological niehe, often causing disease of humans, other animals, and plants. These activities often result in debility, death, or in the impairment and loss of food supply with consequent loss to producers and consumers.

Whereas plant and insect infections are commonly caused by fungi, only a small minority of the vast diversity of fungal species is pathogenic to humans. Despite this, fungal infections cause considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. This volume is dedicated to the biology, clinical presentation and management of invasive fungal infections. Major pathogenic fungi are introduced by world-leading experts and the basic principles of fungal virulence are reviewed in the light of new results and experimental technologies that offer unprecedented insights into invasive infections caused by "Aspergillus," "Candida," "Cryptococcus," "Pneumocystis" and "Mucorales." In parallel, the clinical presentation of invasive fungal infections and current approaches to their diagnosis and treatment are summarized to provide an overview of human pathogenic fungi, linking pathogen biology to the clinical presentation of disease.

Studies on molecular biology of pathogens, infection process and disease resistance, have provided information essentially required to understand the vulnerable stages at which the pathogens can be tackled effectively and to adopt novel strategies to incorporate disease resistance genes from diverse sources and /or to induce resistance of cultivars with desirable agronomic attributes using biotic or abiotic agents. The nature of interaction between the gene products of the pathogen and plant appears to determine the outcome of the interaction resulting in either disease progression or suppression. Transgenic plants with engineered genes show promise for effective exploitation of this approach for practical application. Research efforts during the recent years to sequence the whole genomes of the pathogens and plants may lead to development of better ways of manipulating disease resistance mechanisms enabling the grower to achieve higher production levels and the consumer to enjoy safer food and agricultural products. Experimental protocols included in appropriate chapters will be useful for researchers and graduate students.

In this second volume in the series The Retroviridae, the readers are treated to up-to-date reviews on these viruses, which are found in a variety of animal species. The volume begins with important observations on the general fea tures of retrovirus entry into cells as determined by the viral envelope glyco proteins and the cell surface receptors (Chapter 1). Aspects of this virus-cell interaction form the basis for the variety of biologic effects associated with this virus family. A timely review of the oncogenic feline viruses is included next (Chapter 2). These viruses, along with the avian and murine retroviruses (Volume 1, Chapters 6 and 7), have provided valuable insight into cancer induction in other animal species, including humans. Two other major groups of retroviruses, the lentiviruses and the spuma viruses, are introduced in the present volume. Initially these groups, along with oncoviruses, were the three subfamilies in the Retroviridae. This com plex virus family has now been reclassified into seven separate genera (Vol ume 1, Chapter 2). Equine infectious anemia virus is the prototype for a lentivirus (Chapter 5). One of the first viruses discovered in nature (1904), it was only relatively recently recognized as a retrovirus. Lentiviruses are asso ciated primarily with immunologic disorders such as autoimmunity and AIDS (Chapters 3-5), but their association with neurologic disease is also well established (Chapters 4 and 5, and future volumes)."

This detailed volume serves clinicians and basic science researchers studying the increasingly antibiotic resistant Gram-negative bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. Chapters detail microbiological techniques, biochemical techniques, clinical samples, and next generation omics techniques to characterize the organism at the molecular level. 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, Acinetobacter baumannii: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this high priority area of antibiotic study.

Not another textbook, but a valuable tool for doctors and microbiologists wanting to know how to set up a PCR diagnostic microbiology laboratory according to current regulatory standards and perform assays supplied with patient clinical diagnostic criteria and easy to follow protocols. Whether laboratories are using commercial kits or in-house methods developed in their own laboratories or adopted from published methods, all clinical microbiology laboratories need to be able to understand, critically evaluate, perform and interpret these tests according to rigorous and clinically appropriate standards and international guidelines. The cost and effort of development and evaluation of in-house tests is considerable and many laboratories do not have the resources to do so. This compendium is a vehicle to improve and maintain the clinical relevance and high quality of diagnostic PCR. It is a unique collection of; guidelines for PCR laboratory set up and quality control, test selection criteria, methods and detailed step by step protocols for a diagnostic assays in the field of molecular microbiology. The structure of the book provides the PCR fundamentals and describes the clinical aspects and diagnosis of infectious disease. This is followed by protocols divided into; bacteria, virus, fungi and parasites, and susceptibility screens. The inclusion of medical criteria and interpretation adds value to the compendium and benefits clinicians, scientists, researchers and students of clinical diagnostic microbiology

After three volumes on adenoviruses in 1995 the past years have seen rapid progress in the field of adenovirus research. Moreover, adenoviruses have attracted considerable interest as vectors in gene transfer regimens. After the first volume on virion and structure, viral replication and host-cell interaction this second volume deals with the immune system, oncogenesis and gene therapy.

All important aspects of thermophilic moulds such as systematics, ecology, physiology and biochemistry, production of extracellular and intracellular enzymes, their role in spoilage of stores products and solid and liquid waste management, and general and molecular genetics have been dealt with comprehensively by experts in this book which covers progress in the field over the last 30 years since the seminal book Thermophilic Fungi published by Cooney and Emerson in 1964. The experts have reviewed extensive literature on all aspects of thermophilic moulds in a very comprehensive manner. This book will be useful for graduates as well as post-graduate students of life sciences, mycology, microbiology and biotechnology, and as a reference book for researchers.

Biocontrol is among the most promising methods for a safe, environmentally benign and sustainable crop protection. Microbial pesticides offer a great potential, and it is anticipated that they will become a substantial part of the use of all crop protection products. Their development and commercialization, however, has been difficult and with many failures. For the first time, a rational and structured roadmap has been designed for the development and commercialization of microbial pest control products, based on entomopathogenic bacteria, fungi, viruses and nematodes, for the control of arthropod pests. The emphasis lies on strain screening, product development, up to successful commercialization, from a bio-industry's viewpoint. The building blocks of the entire process are identified. The selection criteria for a microbial pest control agent are defined as well as critical parameters for the development of the product. Implementation of the product into an integrated pest management programme is pivotal for a substantial market uptake. Three phases are distinguished for successful adoption in the market: an appropriate application strategy, an optimal implementation strategy, and an effective adoption strategy. Key success and failure factors are identified. Registration is a major hurdle for biopesticides. Salient registration issues are treated and useful information presented. The road to a successful microbial pest control product is designed. Diagrams illustrate the stepwise approach of the entire process. A future perspective on the biopesticide market is presented with limiting and promotional factors and trends. The significant drivers for success are food safety concern, new research and technology, changes in the regulatory climate, and the occurrence of new invasive pests. This systematic roadmap with a strong focus on economics and market introduction will assist academic researchers and industrial developers of bi

Viruses and RNAi share an intricate relationship at many levels. RNAi is an important antiviral defense mechanism in plants and invertebrates, microRNAs of viral or cellular origin affect many aspects of virus biology, and replication of many, if not all, mammalian viruses can be suppressed by RNAi." Antiviral RNAi: Concepts, Methods, and Applications "provides a collection of protocols for the analysis of viral small RNAs and natural antiviral RNAi responses as well as for the development and optimization of RNAi-based antiviral drugs. As RNAi is a central regulatory mechanism in the cell, the methods in this volume can also be applied out of the context of a virus infection. Divided into five convenient parts, this detailed volume reviews important basic concepts in the field of antiviral RNAi, provides experimental and bio-informatic tools for the analysis of small silencing RNAs, covers methods to biochemically dissect RNAi-based antiviral defense and viral counter-defense mechanisms, describes methods for the design, expression, and delivery of therapeutic antiviral siRNAs, and finally presents genome-wide RNAi approaches for the identification of factors involved in virus replication. Written in the highly successful "Methods in Molecular Biology " series format, chapters contain introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls.

Authoritative and accessible, "Antiviral RNAi: Concepts, Methods, and Applications" serves as an ideal guide for both novice and experienced researchers alike striving to dissect the role of RNAi in the viral life cycle or to further boost the development of novel therapeutics and experimental tools based on RNAi technology.

The second edition of the book begins with the description of the diversity of wine-related microorganisms, followed by an outline of their primary and energy metabolism. Subsequently, important aspects of the secondary metabolism are dealt with, since these activities have an impact on wine quality and off-flavour formation. Then chapters about stimulating and inhibitory growth factors follow. This knowledge is helpful for the growth management of different microbial species. The next chapters focus on the application of the consolidated findings of molecular biology and regulation the functioning of regulatory cellular networks, leading to a better understanding of the phenotypic behaviour of the microbes in general and especially of the starter cultures as well as of stimulatory and inhibitory cell-cell interactions during wine making. In the last part of the book, a compilation of modern methods complete the understanding of microbial processes during the conversion of must to wine.This broad range of topics about the biology of the microbes involved in the vinification process could be provided in one book only because of the input of many experts from different wine-growing countries.

This book gathers a wealth of contributions on the virulence factors and pathogenic mechanism of Helicobacter pylori, prepared by leading international experts. In addition, it explores the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment with drugs and probiotics, and prophylaxis by vaccination, reflecting the latest advances. H. pylori is a Gram negative microaerophilic bacterium that can produce various gastric diseases including gastritis, gastroduodenal ulceration, gastric cancer and gastric MALT lymphoma. Although efforts to combat H. pylori using a combination of proton pump inhibitor and several antimicrobial drugs have significantly decreased the burden of these gastric diseases, the microbial epidemiology and gastric pathogenesis following H. pylori infection are still not fully understood. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable resource not only for basic microbiologists, but also for researchers in the fields of pathology, biochemistry and genomics, as well as medical students/scientists.

Parasites evolve under selective pressures which are different from those acting on free-living organisms. The aim of this textbook is to present these pressures and to show how they have shaped the ecology of parasites over evolutionary time. Broad theoretical concepts are explained simply and clearly and illustrated throughout with example organisms. The book will be an invaluable text for advanced undergraduate biologists who are studying evolutionary biology, ecology, population biology, parasitology and evoluationary ecology. It will also prove to be a valuable reference to postgraduate students and researchers in the same fields.

More than 270 scientists from 33 countries attended the 6th International Conference on Plant Pathogenic Bacteria in College Park, Maryland, June 2-7, 1985. The Conference was jOintly sponsored by the International Society of Plant Pathology, Bacteria Section and by the United States Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Research Service. The Conference provided an opportunity for the presentation and discussion of recent developments in phytobacteriology. The Conference was organized into five symposia, seven discussion sessions, contributed papers and poster presentations. More than 230 contributions were presented under the following topics: ice nucleating bacteria; detection, identification, nomenclature and taxonomy of phytopathogenic bacteria; applications and impact of new biotechnologies on phytobacteriology; bacterial phytotoxins; diagnostic phytobacteriology; management of bacterial plant diseases; and molecular biology, genetics and ecology, epidemiology of phytopathogenic bacteria. In addition, special sessions focused on Agrobacterium, Erwinia, Psedomonas and fastidious prokaryotes. This reflected the broad spectrum of current research activity in phytobacteriology. Furthermore, interest in this series of conferences clearly continues to increase. Key research scientists who are currently making major advances in phytobacteriology participated in the Symposia and Discussions. One of the most significant recent changes that has occurred in the field of plant pathology generally is the dynamic growth of research in which recombinant DNA technology is being applied in basic studies on bacterial plant pathogens. Results from investigations on the crown gall bacterium have stimulated expansion of research on other bacterial systems.

This book covers innovations in starter culture, production of health beneficial fermented food products, technological intervention in beer, wine and spirits production, marketing of alcoholic beverages, modernization of dairy plants for production of fermented dairy products, non-diary probiotics, development of automatic fermenters, and packaging technology. Furthermore, it includes genetic engineering for improved production and quality improvement of food and beverages, which allows forecasting of the quality of the final product. Specifically this includes applications of hybrid methods combining multivariate statistics and computational intelligence, the role of consumers in innovation of novel food and beverages, and IPRS in respect to food and beverages. Innovations in Technologies for Fermented Food and Beverage Industries is a resource for students, researchers, professionals in the industry, as well as governments in their efforts to adopt technologies of their interest.

It is a truism among biologists that an organism's phenotype is the product of both its genotype and its environment. An organism's genotype contains the total informational potential of the individual, while its environment shapes the expression of the ge- type, influences the rate of mutation and occurrence of modifications, and ultimately determines the likelihood that the genotype (or fractions thereof) will survive into the next generation. In the relationship between host and pathogen, therefore, each forms a part of the environment of the other, mutually influencing the biology of both partners on scales ranging from the life history of individuals to the fate of populations or entire species. Molecular biologists working on problems in pathogenesis generally think of the host organism as the pathogen's environment and perhaps occasionally consider the pathogen as part of the host's environment. However, because "environment" can be defined at many scales, so, too, can phenotypes: if a pathogen, as a species, is c- sidered to exist in a host, as a species, then among its phenotypes is the nature of the pandemic disease it can cause within the host community. The contributors to the proceedings of this NATO Advanced Research Workshop have treated the interplay of environment and genotype in the host-pathogen relationship and its relationship to the problem of emerging infectious disease at both the macroscopic and microscopic/ molecular levels along this continuum of scale (with some human history thrown in at times for good measure).

An identification handbook containing descriptions of 974 species of non-gilled fungi in 277 genera and figures of 543 of them. There are two major keys to genera and a key to the species in each genus that contains more than one species. The fungi described and illustrated can nearly all be found in Great Britain. The book aims to stimulate interest in groups of fungi which have hitherto attracted relatively few workers. Resupinate fungi, club fungi, jelly fungi, brackets, earth stars, puffballs and so on are not difficult to identify with a little practice and many of them flourish and sporulate freely during the winter months and thus it is possible to study mycology all year round if all groups are studied. In this book measurements, except where otherwise stated, are in thousandths of a millimetre. Terms which may be unfamiliar are explained in the glossary and for quick reference genera in the two main sections are arranged in alphabetical order.

In this book, a panel of experts discuss the molecular biology of micro-organisms involved in the two major dental diseases: caries and periodontal disease. Research has focused on factors which might modulate the interaction between the resident oral bacteria and the host. Chapters deal with the interactions of oral micro-organisms with one another and with the host; the innate defense mechanisms of the host; and the development of vaccines against oral diseases. Topics include oral microbial taxonomy, identification and typing, applied genomics, horizontal gene transfer, cell-cell communication, cariogenic bacteria, aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, porphyromonas gingivalis, treponema denticola, host-pathogen interaction, host defense mechanisms, and vaccination against oral infections. Essential reading for students and researchers in the field of oral biology and oral microbiology and a recommended book for all microbiology laboratories.

Bacteria change the surface of the Earth. All kinds of bacteria reside in the biosphere, and although sometimes they may cause damage, they also help in cleaning the surface of the Earth and in the circulation of various substances. Chemolithoautotrophic bacteria in particular have a unique and intimate relationship with inorganic substances and human beings. This book covers in detail advances in the biochemistry and physiology of several chemolithoautotrophic bacteria as well as their relationship to certain environments. Included are recent findings regarding the oxidation mechanisms of ammonia, nitrite, sulfur compounds, and ferrous iron by special bacteria. The characteristics of many cytochromes are described to further advance the understanding of bacterial oxidation systems of inorganic compounds. Applications of bacteria, such as in sewage treatment and in biohydometallurgy, among others, are detailed, and bacteria considered closest to the origins of life are discussed in the final chapter.

Advances in molecular biology have enabled leaps forward in the determination of virus phylogenetic history. This detailed 1995 book results from the invitation to foremost experts to give essays on aspects of virus biology. Initial chapters cover impacts of viruses and their control. Further chapters detail genetic variation of viruses and the molecular basis of interrelations with hosts. This leads to discussions of interactions with the host at the population level, and their molecular basis and evolution. Seventeen chapters follow, by specialists on particular groups of viruses describing their impact, genetic origins, sources of variation, population genetics and interactions with hosts. Practical virologists will find the chapters on phylogenetic analysis techniques very useful. The adaptive nature of viruses makes this work highly relevant to evolutionists.

This volume details the exploration, collection, characterization, evaluation and conservation of microbes for sustainable utilization in the development of the global as well as national economies, e.g. in agriculture, ecosystems, environments, industry and medicine.Many research institutes and universities all over the world carry out microbiological and biotechnological research, which generates substantial genomic resources such as cDNA libraries, gene constructs, promoter regions, transgenes and more valuable assets for gene discovery and transgenic product development. This work provides up-to-date information on the management of microbial resources in the environment. It also covers the ecology of microorganisms in natural and engineered environments. In trying to understand microbial interactions it further focuses on genomic, metagenomic and molecular advances, as well as on microbial diversity and phylogeny; ecological studies of human, animal and plant microbiology and disease; microbial processes and interactions in the environment; and key technological advances. Though not intended to serve as an encyclopedic review of the subject, the various chapters investigate both theoretical and practical aspects and provide essential basic information for future research to support continued development. "

The complexity of the microbial population of the animal gastro-intestinal trac has been recognised long ago. However, thus far, investigations have been limited to a few major groups, considered to be dominating, and pathogens that are detrimental and may case diseases and concomitant financial losses in the production animal. Thanks to the latest developments, including improved micriological detection and sampling techniques, and the application of molecular tools to monitor the presence of specific strains in the intestine, our knowlede has increased rapidly in recent years. In addition, new approaches towards improving and/or stabilising animal health, are addressed, with special emphasis on probiotics, and also with regard to the use selected bacterial strains as vehicles for delivery of pharmaceutically active compounds to the muscosa. The book is unique in several respects, not only by its coverage of an extremely wide area in animal gut microbiology, but also by the fact that production animals such as fish and reindeer are included. Scope and treatment of the subject matter and the kind of information that can be found in the volume: Colonisation and development (succession), and mucosal surface composition of the normal microbial population flora in the healthy animal are addressed, whilst estensive information is given on diverse and dominating bacterial populations of different animal types. Reference is also made to those microbial groups considered to be of special benefit to the health and immune protection of the (young) animal bacteria. The development and application of models of the Gastro-Intestinal tract provides a solid basis for studying gut microbial interactions, whilst molecular approaches and the us of molecular tools to monitor the presence of specific strains in the intestine is treated in a comprehensive manner. Wide coverage of different animal types and their gut microbial ecology Extensive and partly new information on the major microbial groups associated with the animal gastro-intestinal tract The book is unique and partly new information and up-to-date information proved in the chapters as a whole

Morphological, physiological and pathological evidence demonstrates that ner- vous and immune systems interact not only in maintaining brain homeostasis, but also in causing neurological diseases. The studyofthese interactions repre- sents the basis on which neuroimmunologyhas grown during the years. At pre- sent, several neurological diseases are recognized to be caused by a derange- ment of the immune system in either its regulatory or effector functions. The main scope ofthis book, to discuss how an unbalanced immune system maylead to immune-mediated neurological diseases, is achieved in three parts. The first part provides an overview on how the immune system works. This is propaedeutical to understanding interactions between the immune and ner- vous systems, which are discussed in the second part. The third part of the book focuses on one particular area of neuroimmunology, the immune disor- ders leading to the damage of central and peripheral myelin. Given the opportunity to review first the immune system in itself and then how it operates during immune-mediated demyelinating disorders, we have tried to provide the reader with a basis for clearly understanding how interac- tions between the immune and nervous systems can be protective or pathoge- nic. This knowledge is a prerequisite for a rationale immune intervention tar- geting these disorders.

This book brings together and updates the latest information on the diversity of yeasts, their molecular features and their applications in the welfare of mankind. Yeasts are eukaryotic microfungi widely found in natural environments, including those with extreme conditions such as low temperatures, low oxygen levels and low water availability. To date, approximately 2,000 of the estimated 30,000 to 45,000 species of yeast on Earth, belonging to around 200 genera have been described. Although there are a few that are opportunistic human and animal pathogens, the vast majority of yeasts are beneficial, playing an important role in the food chain and in the carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycles. In addition, yeasts such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Hansenula polymorpha and Pichia pastoris are used in expressing foreign genes to produce proteins of pharmaceutical interest. A landmark in biotechnology was reached in 1996 with the completion of sequencing of the entire S. cerevisiae genome, and it has now become a central player in the development of an entirely new approach to biological research and synthetic biology. The sequencing of genomes of several yeasts including Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Candida albicans and Cryptococcus neofromans has also recently been completed.