Tumors/cancers are characterized by uncontrolled growths of abnormal cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs and systems. While about 75%-80% of tumors/cancers arise sporadically without a family connection, 20%-25% appear to be familial (including 10%-15% nonhereditary familial tumors [or familial tumors] and 5%-10% hereditary familial tumors [or hereditary tumors]). As nonhereditary and hereditary familial tumors often show both tumor-related and non-tumor-related (or syndromic) symptoms, they are referred to as tumor syndromes (or cancer susceptibility syndromes). In comparison with sporadic tumors/cancers, tumor syndromes (>300 described so far) tend to occur at a younger age, involve multiple organs and systems, produce multiple (often in a distinct spectrum) and bilateral lesions, form multiple hamartomatous, benign, or precursor lesions; locate in specific site(s), display unique syndromic features, and affect multiple members/generations of a family. This book provides state-of-art and authoritative coverage of nearly 100 tumor syndromes, with chapters presenting overviews of individual tumor syndromes in relation to their biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Featuring contributions from oncologists, clinicians, and specialists, the book offers a reliable, comprehensive reference on tumor syndromes for scholars and students of medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, nursing, public health, and other biomedical disciplines. Key Features Reviews the biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of tumor syndromes Contains up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of tumor syndromes Includes expert coverage from leading oncologists and clinicians Related Titles J. R. McIntosh, Understanding Cancer: An Introduction to the Biology, Medicine, and Societal Implications of This Disease (ISBN 978-0-8153-4535-0) P. S. T. Shanmugam, Understanding Cancer Therapies (ISBN 978-1-1381-9815-9) J. M. Baehring and J. M. Piepmeier, eds., Brain Tumors: Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment (ISBN 978-0-3673-9022-8) D. Liu, Tumors and Cancers: Endocrine Glands - Blood - Marrow - Lymph (ISBN 978-1-4987-2975-8) Dongyou Liu, PhD, has worked at several research and clinical laboratories in Australia and the United States for the past three decades, with a focus on molecular characterization of microbial pathogens and detection of human genetic disorders and tumors/cancers. He is the primary author of more than 50 original research and review articles in various peer-reviewed international journals, the contributor of 197 book chapters, and the editor of more than 10 books.

Molecular Detection of Animal Viral Pathogens presents expert summaries on state-of-the-art diagnostic approaches for major animal viral pathogens, with a particular emphasis on identification and differentiation at the molecular level. Written by specialists in related research areas, each chapter provides a concise overview of an individual virus or group concerning its Classification Morphology Genome organization Epidemiology Clinical features Diagnosis Sample collection and preparation procedures Molecular detection protocols Each chapter also discusses future prospects or further research requirements for streamlining the identification and epidemiological tracking of the virus concerned. With broad coverage presented in a concise format, Molecular Detection of Animal Viral Pathogens is an essential reference for both beginning and experienced laboratory scientists as well as students of virology. It also offers an indispensable guide applicable to medical, veterinary, and industrial settings that are dependent on speedy turnarounds, extreme sensitivity, and exquisite specificity of virological testing for decision making and disease prevention.

The elucidation of DNA double helix in 1953 and the publication of DNA cloning protocol in 1973 have put wings under the sail of molecular biology, which has since quietly revolutionized many fields of biological science, including food microbiology. Exploiting the power and versatility of molecular technologies, molecular food microbiology extends and greatly improves on phenotypically based food microbiology, leading to the development of better diagnostics for foodborne infections and intoxications, and contributing to the design of more effective therapeutics and prophylaxes against foodborne diseases. Forming part of the Food Microbiology series, Molecular Food Microbiology provides a state of art coverage on molecular techniques applicable to food microbiology. While the introductory chapter contains an overview on the principles of current DNA, RNA and protein techniques and discusses their utility in helping solve practical problems that food microbiology is facing now and in the future, the remaining chapters present detailed moleuclar analyses of selective foodborne viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Key Features: Contains a state of art overview on moleuclar techniques applicable to food microbiology research and development Presents in-depth molecular analysis of selective foodborne viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites Highlights the utility of molecular tecniques for accurate diagnosis and effective control of foodborne diseases Includes expert contributions from international scientists involved in molecular food microbiology research Represents a highly informative textbook for students majoring in food, medical, and veterinary microbiology Offers a contemporary reference for scholars and educators wishing to keep abreast with the latest developments in molecular food microbiology With contributions from international scientists involved in molecular food microbiology research, this book constitutes an informative textbook for undergraduates and postgraduates majoring in food, medical, and veterinary microbiology; represents an indispensable guide for food, medical, and veterinary scientists engaged in molecular food microbiology research and development; and offers a contemporary update for scholars and educators trying to keep in touch with the latest developments in molecular food microbiology.

Once feared as a deadly intracellular bacterium with the extraordinary capacity to survive a wide array of arduous external stressors, Listeria monocytogenes is increasingly recognized as a preferred vector for delivering anti-infective and anti-cancer vaccine molecules. A reliable, single-source reference on the fundamental aspects of this bacterium is crucial to support future study and further the advancement of biomedical sciences and intervention strategies. Drawn from an international panel of scientists with notable expertise in their respective fields, the Handbook of Listeria monocytogenes is divided into four sections: Section I discusses the biology and pathogenicity of this bacterium, including epidemiology and stress responses. Section II demonstrates identification and detection techniques such as phenotypic and genotypic identification, strain typing, and virulence determination. Section III details the current knowledge of genetic manipulation of Listeria, including comparative genomics, genomic divisions, epidemic clones and population structure, and analysis of cell envelope proteins. Section IV covers innate and adaptive immunity against Listeria, and examines the use of this bacterium for anti-infective and anti-cancer vaccine development. The first comprehensive compilation of knowledge in this area, this handbook is an indispensable reference for anyone embarking on the path of manipulation of Listeria as either a model for the study of the host-bacterium relationship or as a tool for delivering protective molecules to cytoplasm.

An Indispensable Roadmap for Nucleic Acid Preparation Although Friedrich Miescher described the first isolation of nucleic acid in 1869, it was not until 1953 that James Watson and Francis Crick successfully deciphered the structural basis of DNA duplex. Needless to say, in the years since, enormous advances have been made in the study of nucleic acids, and these have become a cornerstone for all branches of modern biological sciences. The Handbook of Nucleic Acid Purification provides researchers and students with an all-encompassing volume on nucleic acid extraction strategies. Due to the complexities within prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, purification of the nucleic acids often forms a vital first step in the study of molecular biology of living organisms as well as in the evolutionary/phylogenetic analysis of ancient specimens. Bringing together contributions from leading researchers, the handbook presents a comprehensive catalog of nucleic acid isolation methods. It includes dedicated sections on strategies for viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, insects, mammals, and plants, as well as for ancient samples, with an additional emphasis on sample preparation methods for direct molecular applications. Each chapter in this handbook: Explores the biological background important to understanding specific organisms and specimens Reviews principles and current techniques for efficient isolation Discusses challenges and future trends relating to improved recovery of nucleic acids Besides providing an updated, reliable reference for anyone with an interest in molecular biology, this book offers a practical guide for clinical, forensic, and research scientists involved in molecular analysis of biological specimens. It also constitutes a convenient resource for students in other areas of biological sciences, and an indispensable roadmap for both new and experienced researchers wishing to acquire or sharpen their skills in nucleic acid preparation.

Tumors/cancers are characterized by uncontrolled growths of abnormal cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs and systems. While about 75%-80% of tumors/cancers arise sporadically without a family connection, 20%-25% appear to be familial (including 10%-15% nonhereditary familial tumors [or familial tumors] and 5%-10% hereditary familial tumors [or hereditary tumors]). As nonhereditary and hereditary familial tumors often show both tumor-related and non-tumor-related (or syndromic) symptoms, they are referred to as tumor syndromes (or cancer susceptibility syndromes). In comparison with sporadic tumors/cancers, tumor syndromes (>300 described so far) tend to occur at a younger age, involve multiple organs and systems, produce multiple (often in a distinct spectrum) and bilateral lesions, form multiple hamartomatous, benign, or precursor lesions; locate in specific site(s), display unique syndromic features, and affect multiple members/generations of a family. This book provides state-of-art and authoritative coverage of nearly 100 tumor syndromes, with chapters presenting overviews of individual tumor syndromes in relation to their biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Featuring contributions from oncologists, clinicians, and specialists, the book offers a reliable, comprehensive reference on tumor syndromes for scholars and students of medicine, dentistry, pharmacology, nursing, public health, and other biomedical disciplines. Key Features Reviews the biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, and clinical features of tumor syndromes Contains up-to-date information on the diagnosis and treatment of tumor syndromes Includes expert coverage from leading oncologists and clinicians Related Titles J. R. McIntosh, Understanding Cancer: An Introduction to the Biology, Medicine, and Societal Implications of This Disease (ISBN 978-0-8153-4535-0) P. S. T. Shanmugam, Understanding Cancer Therapies (ISBN 978-1-1381-9815-9) J. M. Baehring and J. M. Piepmeier, eds., Brain Tumors: Practical Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment (ISBN 978-0-3673-9022-8) D. Liu, Tumors and Cancers: Endocrine Glands - Blood - Marrow - Lymph (ISBN 978-1-4987-2975-8) Dongyou Liu, PhD, has worked at several research and clinical laboratories in Australia and the United States for the past three decades, with a focus on molecular characterization of microbial pathogens and detection of human genetic disorders and tumors/cancers. He is the primary author of more than 50 original research and review articles in various peer-reviewed international journals, the contributor of 197 book chapters, and the editor of more than 10 books.

Traditionally, laboratory identification of parasites has relied upon various phenotypic procedures that detect their morphological, biological, and immunological features. Because these procedures tend to be time-consuming and technically demanding, molecular methods based on nucleic acid amplification technologies have been increasingly utilized for rapid, sensitive, and specific characterization of parasites.

The large number of original and modified molecular protocols that have been developed over the years creates a dilemma for those attempting to adopt the most appropriate protocol for streamlined identification and detection of human pathogenic organisms of interest. Part of a four-volume collection, Molecular Detection of Human Parasitic Pathogens provides a reliable and comprehensive resource on the molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens.

This volume contains expert contributions from international scientists involved in human parasitic pathogen research and diagnosis. Following a similar format throughout, each chapter includes:

• A brief review on the classification, biology, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of an important pathogenic parasitic genus/group
• An outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures and a selection of representative stepwise molecular protocols
• A discussion on further research needs relating to improved diagnoses of major human parasitic pathogens

This versatile reference on molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens is an indispensable tool for upcoming and experienced medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists engaged in parasite characterization. It is also suitable as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in parasitology.

Tumors and Cancers: Skin - Soft Tissue - Bone - Urogenitals provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and Cancers: Skin - Soft Tissue - Bone - Urogenitals provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and cancers are insidious diseases characterized by an abnormal growth of cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs. Forming the first of the four volumes devoted to tumors and cancers, this volume focuses on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its definition, biology, epidemiology, disease mechanism/pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and Cancers: Endocrine Glands - Blood - Marrow - Lymph provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and Cancers: Endocrine Glands - Blood - Marrow - Lymph provides succinct reviews of neoplastic growths disrupting normal functions of affected structures. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its biology, epidemiology, disease mechanisms, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and cancers are insidious diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs. Forming the second of the four volumes devoted to tumors and cancers, this volume focuses on the head/neck, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular organ/type in relation to its definition, biology, epidemiology, disease mechanism/pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Tumors and cancers are insidious diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs. Forming the second of the four volumes devoted to tumors and cancers, this volume focuses on the head/neck, cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular organ/type in relation to its definition, biology, epidemiology, disease mechanism/pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Despite being recognized and fought against over countless centuries, human viral pathogens continue to cause major public health problems worldwide-killing millions of people and costing billions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity each year. With contributions from specialists in their respective areas of viral pathogen research, Molecular Detection of Human Viral Pathogens provides a reliable reference on molecular detection and identification of major human viral pathogens. Each chapter briefly reviews the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of one related viral pathogen or a group of them. The clinical sample collection and preparation procedures are outlined, and a selection of representative stepwise molecular detection protocols is covered. The chapters conclude with a discussion on further research requirements relating to improved diagnosis. With its judicious selection of streamlined, ready-to-use protocols for major human viral pathogens-including commercial kits-Molecular Detection of Human Viral Pathogens is an indispensable tool for medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists involved in virus determination.

The large number of molecular protocols available creates a dilemma for those attempting to adopt the most appropriate for streamlined identification and detection of fungal pathogens of interest. Molecular Detection of Human Fungal Pathogens provides a reliable and comprehensive resource relating the molecular detection and identification of major human fungal pathogens. This volume contains expert contributions from international mycologists involved in fungal pathogen research and diagnosis. Following a similar format throughout, each chapter comprises: A brief review of the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of one or a group of related fungal species An outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures A selection of representative stepwise molecular detection protocols A discussion on further research requirements for improving the diagnosis The book offers an indispensable tool for medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists working in the area of fungal determination. It also constitutes a convenient textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in microbiology and is an essential guide for upcoming and experienced laboratory scientists wishing to acquire and polish their skills in molecular diagnosis of fungal diseases.

While the vast majority of our food supplies are nutritious and safe, foodborne pathogen-related illness still affects millions of people each year. Large outbreaks of foodborne diseases - such as the recent salmonella outbreak linked to various peanut butter products - continue to be reported with alarming frequency. All-Encompassing Guide to Detection Techniques One of the most effective ways to control and prevent human foodborne infections is to implement a pathogen surveillance system. Addressing the biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of more than 60 microorganisms, Molecular Detection of Foodborne Pathogens demonstrates how to implement a surveillance system that uses state-of-the-art molecular techniques to quickly detect and identify bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens concerned. Included in each chapter: Concise review of the selected pathogen in respect to its biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis Summary of molecular detection methods available Description of clinical/food sample collection and preparation procedures Selection of robust, effective, step-by-step detection protocols Discussion of the current challenges and ongoing research needs to further extend utility and performance of molecular diagnostic methods With proven, ready-to-use protocols (including commercial kits), this globally pertinent resource demonstrates how speedy and effective detection methods can lead to more lives saved and a consistently safe, quality, and trustworthy food supply.

Security sensitive microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites) and toxins, which are often referred to as the select agents and toxins, have the capacity to cause serious illness and death in humans, animals, and plants. Throughout history, these microbes and toxins have been exploited in one form or another as biowarfare and bioterror agents that create fear and panic well beyond any actual physical damages they might cause. Manual of Security Sensitive Microbes and Toxins provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art coverage of microbes and toxins of biosecurity concern. The ultimate goal is to increase our awareness of these agents and enhance our preparedness against any future bio-emergencies. The book begins with an introduction containing a brief overview of the historical aspects of security sensitive microbes and toxins. This is followed by a concise summary of the current status in relation to the regulation of security sensitive microbes and toxins and a discussion of future development trends. The book is divided into seven parts: Microbes and Toxins Affecting Humans and Animals: Viruses Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Bacteria Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Fungus and Parasite Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Toxins Microbes Affecting Animals: Viruses Microbes Affecting Animals: Bacteria Microbes Affecting Plants Written by experts in the relevant areas of research, the chapters are authoritative reviews, each one covering a single microbe or toxin with respect to its classification, biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, identification, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The chapters also discuss the limitations of our current knowledge and challenges relating to improved detection and control of the microbe or toxin.

Molecular Medical Microbiology, Third Edition presents the latest release in what is considered to be the first book to synthesize new developments in both molecular and clinical research. The molecular age has brought about dramatic changes in medical microbiology, along with great leaps in our understanding of the mechanisms of infectious disease. This third edition is completely updated, reviewed and expanded, providing a timely and helpful update for microbiologists, students and clinicians in the era of increasing use of molecular techniques, changing epidemiology and prevalence, and increasing resistance of many pathogenic bacteria. Written by experts in the field, chapters include cutting-edge information and clinical overviews for each major bacterial group, along with the latest updates on vaccine development, molecular technology and diagnostic technology.

As more original molecular protocols and subsequent modifications are described in the literature, it has become difficult for those not directly involved in the development of these protocols to know which are most appropriate to adopt for accurate identification of bacterial pathogens. Molecular Detection of Human Bacterial Pathogens addresses this issue, with international scientists in respective bacterial pathogen research and diagnosis providing expert summaries on current diagnostic approaches for major human bacterial pathogens. Each chapter consists of a brief review on the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of an important pathogenic bacterial genus, an outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures, a selection of representative stepwise molecular protocols, and a discussion on further research requirements relating to improved diagnosis. This book represents a reliable and convenient reference on molecular detection and identification of major human bacterial pathogens; an indispensable tool for upcoming and experienced medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists engaged in bacterial characterization; and an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in microbiology.

Tumors and cancers are insidious diseases characterized by an abnormal growth of cells that extend beyond their usual boundaries and disrupt the normal functions of affected organs. Forming the first of the four volumes devoted to tumors and cancers, this volume focuses on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Each chapter presents a state of the art summary of tumor/cancer of a particular type in relation to its definition, biology, epidemiology, disease mechanism/pathogenesis, clinical signs, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Resulting from ingestion of inappropriately prepared or stored foods containing pathogenic viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, foodborne infections have become a significant source of human morbidity and mortality worldwide in recent decades. This may be largely attributable to the remarkable popularity of convenient, ready-to-eat food products, the dramatic expansion of international food trades, and the continuing growth of immuno-suppressed population groups. Although anti-microbial treatments have played a crucial part in the control of foodborne infections in the past, the emergence and spread of anti-microbial resistance render the existing treatments ineffective. Additionally, our limited understanding of the molecular mechanisms of foodborne infections has thwarted our efforts in the development of efficacious vaccines for foodborne pathogens. Given the obvious benefits of laboratory models in foodborne disease research, a great number of experiments have been conducted toward the elucidation of host-pathogen interactions in and pathogenic mechanisms of foodborne infections. Forming part of the Food Microbiology series, Laboratory Models for Foodborne Infections presents a state-of-the-art review of laboratory models that have proven valuable in deciphering the life cycle, epidemiology, immunobiology, and other key aspects of foodborne pathogens. Written by scientists with respective expertise in foodborne pathogen research, each chapter includes a contemporary summary of a particular foodborne viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infection in relation to its life cycle, epidemiology, clinical features, pathogenesis, host-pathogen interactions, and other related aspects. Besides providing a trustworthy source of information for undergraduates and postgraduates in food microbiology, Laboratory Models for Foodborne Infections offers an invaluable guide for scientists and food microbiologists with interest in exploiting laboratory models for detailed study of foodborne infections.

Clearly linked to consumption of foods, beverages, and drinking water that contain pathogenic microbes, toxins, or other toxic agents, foodborne diseases have undergone a remarkable change of fortune in recent decades, from once rare and insignificant malaises to headline-grabbing and deadly outbreaks. Unquestionably, several factors have combined to make this happen. These include a prevailing demand for the convenience of ready-to-eat or heat-and-eat manufactured food products that allow ready entry and survival of some robust, temperature-insensitive microorganisms; a drastic reduction in the costs of air, sea, and road transportation that has taken some pathogenic microorganisms to where they were absent previously; an expanding world population that has stretched the boundary of human activity; and an ageing population whose weakened immune functions provide a fertile ground for opportunistic pathogens to invade and thrive. Given the diversity of causative agents (ranging from viruses, bacteria, yeasts, filamentous fungi, protozoa, helminthes, toxins, to toxic agents), and the ingenuity of pathogenic microbes to evolve through genetic reassortment, horizontal gene transfer, and/or random genetic mutation, it has become an enormous challenge to understand how foodborne agents are able to evade host immune defenses and induce diseases, and also to develop and apply innovative approaches for improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of foodborne diseases. Handbook of Foodborne Diseases summarizes the latest findings on more than 100 foodborne diseases and their causative agents. With contributions from international experts on foodborne pathogens, toxins, and toxic agents research, this volume provides state-of-the-art overviews on foodborne diseases in relation to their etiology, biology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Apart from offering a comprehensive textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate students in food, medical, and veterinary microbiology, this volume constitutes a valuable reference on foodborne diseases for medical professionals and health authorities, and forms an informative educational resource for the general public.

Molecular Detection of Animal Viral Pathogens presents expert summaries on state-of-the-art diagnostic approaches for major animal viral pathogens, with a particular emphasis on identification and differentiation at the molecular level. Written by specialists in related research areas, each chapter provides a concise overview of an individual virus or group concerning its Classification Morphology Genome organization Epidemiology Clinical features Diagnosis Sample collection and preparation procedures Molecular detection protocols Each chapter also discusses future prospects or further research requirements for streamlining the identification and epidemiological tracking of the virus concerned. With broad coverage presented in a concise format, Molecular Detection of Animal Viral Pathogens is an essential reference for both beginning and experienced laboratory scientists as well as students of virology. It also offers an indispensable guide applicable to medical, veterinary, and industrial settings that are dependent on speedy turnarounds, extreme sensitivity, and exquisite specificity of virological testing for decision making and disease prevention.

Security sensitive microbes (viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites) and toxins, which are often referred to as the select agents and toxins, have the capacity to cause serious illness and death in humans, animals, and plants. Throughout history, these microbes and toxins have been exploited in one form or another as biowarfare and bioterror agents that create fear and panic well beyond any actual physical damages they might cause. Manual of Security Sensitive Microbes and Toxins provides comprehensive, state-of-the-art coverage of microbes and toxins of biosecurity concern. The ultimate goal is to increase our awareness of these agents and enhance our preparedness against any future bio-emergencies. The book begins with an introduction containing a brief overview of the historical aspects of security sensitive microbes and toxins. This is followed by a concise summary of the current status in relation to the regulation of security sensitive microbes and toxins and a discussion of future development trends. The book is divided into seven parts: Microbes and Toxins Affecting Humans and Animals: Viruses Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Bacteria Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Fungus and Parasite Microbes and Toxins Affecting Human and Animals: Toxins Microbes Affecting Animals: Viruses Microbes Affecting Animals: Bacteria Microbes Affecting Plants Written by experts in the relevant areas of research, the chapters are authoritative reviews, each one covering a single microbe or toxin with respect to its classification, biology, epidemiology, pathogenesis, identification, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The chapters also discuss the limitations of our current knowledge and challenges relating to improved detection and control of the microbe or toxin.