Books published by Caister Academic Press

Fungi cause a spectrum of diseases in humans, ranging from comparatively innocuous superficial skin diseases caused by dermatophytes to invasive life-threatening infections caused by species such as Candida albicans, or Cryptococcus neoformans. Due to the opportunistic nature of most invasive mycoses, fungal pathogenicity has proven difficult to define. However, the application of new genomic and other molecular techniques in recent years has revolutionized the field, revealing fascinating new insights into the mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. In this book, a panel of high profile contributors critically review the most important research to provide a timely overview. The book is divided into two sections. The first six chapters review the transformative effect of applying state-of-the-art tools and innovative approaches to research, particularly in the area of comparative biology. The second section consists of eight chapters, each dedicated to the molecular and cellular biology of a major fungal pathogen of humans: Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Dermatophytes, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Pneumocystis, and Paracoccidoides. These chapters provide a timely snapshot of the current state of research. The book will be an essential reference for students, researchers, and clinicians with an interest in fungal pathogenesis. [Subject: Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, Life Science

One of the greatest public health achievements during the twentieth century was the dramatic reduction in the incidence of infectious diseases due to the development of improved hygiene, vaccines and antimicrobial agents. However, new infectious diseases are emerging and bacteria-induced illnesses, such as tuberculosis, whooping cough and typhoid fever, are still a major cause of global mortality. In recent decades the development of molecular biology and genetic tools has led to extensive studies on the molecular and cellular aspects of the virulence properties of pathogenic bacteria. In this book, a group of distinguished scientists from eight different countries and three continents, under the expert guidance of the editors Camille Locht and Michel Simonet, overview the molecular and cellular mechanisms of bacterial pathogenesis. The fifteen chapters are organized into five sections: approaches to the study of bacterial pathogenesis; bacterial adhesion to the cell surface and extracellular matrix of host tissues; poisoning the host by toxins; cellular invasion by bacterial pathogens; and bacterial evasion of host defences. The authors comprehensively describe the most relevant and up-to-date information on pathogenic features across the bacterial world. Aimed at the entire scientific community from students to senior scientists and physicians, the book is relevant to a broad range of people interested in the mechanisms of bacterial infectious diseases and is a recommended text for all microbiology laboratories.

In this book, leading senior scientists and young researchers review the current key topics in cyanobacterial cell biology to provide a timely overview. Topics covered include: historical background; cell division; the cell envelope; the thylakoid membrane; protein targeting, transport and translocation; chromatic acclimation; the carboxysome; glycogen as a dynamic storage of photosynthetically fixed carbon; cyanophycin; gas vesicles; motility in unicellular and filamentous cyanobacteria; cellular differentiation in filamentous cyanobacteria; and cell-cell joining proteins in heterocyst-forming cyanobacteria. This cutting-edge text will provide a valuable resource for all those working in this field and is recommended for all microbiology libraries.

This book provides invaluable, up-to-date, and detailed information on various aspects of bioinformatics data analysis with applications to microbiology. It describes a number of different useful bioinformatics tools, makes links to some wet-lab techniques, and explains different approaches to tackle a problem. It also talks about current challenges and limitations, gives examples of applications of bioinformatics methods to microbiology, and discusses future trends. The rapid advancement of sequencing techniques, coupled with the new methodologies of bioinformatics to handle large-scale data analysis, are providing exciting opportunities to understand microbial communities from a variety of environments, beyond previous imagination. The chapters in this book include topics such as: genome sequencing techniques * assembly * SNP analysis * annotation * comparative genomics * microbial community profiling * metagenomics * phylogenetic microarrays * barcoding * and more. Bioinformatics and Data Analysis in Microbiology is an essential book for researchers, lecturers, and students involved in microbiology, bioinformatics, and genome analysis. Each chapter is written by experts in the field and is peer-reviewed. [Subject: Microbiology, Bioinformatics, Genomics, Life Science

Bacterial detection and control are vital aspects of food microbiology. Real-time PCR is one of the most significant advances in this area, providing rapid, reliable, and quantitative results. In recent years, real-time PCR has become increasingly important to the agricultural and food industries as a valuable alternative to traditional detection methods. The advantages of quantitative real-time PCR include speed, an excellent detection limit, selectivity, specificity, sensitivity, and the potential for automation. Written by experts in the field, this book is an indispensable manual for scientists in the food industry. The first section provides an introduction to real-time PCR, discusses the use of PCR diagnostics in food science, describes the principles and methods of sample preparation, and covers the verification and control of PCR procedures. The second section covers the use of real-time PCR to detect various pathogens including Salmonella, Listeria, E. coli, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Staphylococcus, Clostridium, viruses, and parasites. Also included is a chapter on the standardization of real-time PCR methods in food microbiology. In the final section, the book covers the use of real-time PCR for the analysis of genetically modified organisms, for food allergens, and for identification of animal or plant species. This will be an invaluable book for anyone involved in food microbiology or the detection of foodborne pathogens, and it is a recommended volume for all microbiology laboratories.

The vast explosion of high-resolution molecular data in the past few years has provided an unprecedented glimpse into the microbial world. This book synthesizes current viewpoints and knowledge on microbial ecological theory. The book has assembled a collection of essays by a diverse group of well-respected scientists who merge the boundaries of ecology and microbiology to explore some of the central tenets of macro-ecological theory with a microbial perspective. The contributors explore the mainstays of macro-ecology asking questions such as "do microbes have biogeography?" and "does a microbial species concept exist?" Additionally, the book shows how high-resolution molecular data is informing and underpinning the evolution of microbial ecological theory. It demonstrates how the application of macro-ecological theory to the microbial world is not only enhancing our understanding of microbial ecology, but it also provides a reference point for the development of new theories. Written for graduate students and academic researchers, the book encourages cross-disciplinary thinking and provides direction and perspective on the still fledgling field of microbial ecological theory. It is highly recommended for all microbiology libraries.

Since the publication of the first two Plasmodium genome sequences in 2002, numerous other parasite genomes have been sequenced. These include the genomes of several more Plasmodium species, as well as those of other apicomplexans, including species of Toxoplasma, Cryptosporidium, Babesia, and Eimeria. This wealth of genome sequence data has provided researchers with a powerful new tool, comparative genomics, which has revolutionized research in this area. In this book, expert contributors from around the world comprehensively review the current advances in Plasmodium comparative genomics, highlighting the fascinating new insights into parasite evolution and molecular biology that have ensued. Topics include: Plasmodium taxonomy and phylogeny * the apicomplexan genomic landscape * the "art" of sequencing Plasmodium genomes * diversity of Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax genomes * Plasmodium functional genomics * Plasmodium experimental genetic crosses * P. falciparum epigenetic modification and transcriptional regulation * Plasmodium invasion of host red blood cells * protein export and trafficking by malaria parasites * Plasmodium-mosquito vector interactions * a practical guide to many of the revolutionary new techniques and molecular tools for Plasmodium research. The book will be essential reading for all researchers working with malaria parasites and related organisms - from the PhD student to the experienced scientist - and is a recommended text for all parasitologists.

Real time quantitative PCR (qPCR) technology has revolutionized almost all areas of microbiology, including clinical microbiology, food microbiology, industrial microbiology, environmental microbiology, and microbial biotechnology. Various modifications and improvements have enhanced the overall performance of this highly versatile technology and the qPCR instrumentation and strategies currently available are more sensitive, faster, and more affordable than ever before. Written by experts in the field and aimed specifically at microbiologists, this book describes and explains the most important aspects of current qPCR strategies, instrumentation, and software. Renowned scholars cover the application of qPCR technology in various areas of applied microbiology and comment on future trends. Topics include: instrumentation * fluorescent chemistries * quantification strategies * data analysis software * environmental microbiology * water microbiology * food microbiology * gene expression studies * validation of microbial microarray data * future trends in qPCR technology. This outstanding book will be invaluable for all microbiologists and is recommended for all microbiology laboratories.

Fuelled by the application of omics and reverse genetics technologies, impressive progress has been achieved in the field of molecular and cellular biology of Bunyaviridae in recent years. In this book, a panel of international experts review the most important findings, providing a timely and coherent overview of the field. All five genera i.e. Orthobunyavirus, Hantavirus, Nairovirus, Plebovirus and Tospovirus, are covered in seperate chapters. Genetics and evolution of hantaviruses is given a special treatment in chapter 3 while current advances in diagnostics are reviewed in detail in chapter 7. The book closes with an excellent overview of the remaining challenges and future prospects in this fascinating field. The book is essential reading for everyone working on bunyaviruses and related viruses. A recommended text for all virology libraries.

Infections caused by pathogenic fungi are a significant global problem, a situation exacerbated by the limited availability of good antifungal options. Being eukaryotic organisms, these pathogens are phylogenetically much closer to the human host than bacterial pathogens. This sets serious limits to the range of exploitable fungal-specific drug targets. The advent of 'omics' and other high throughput technologies in recent years has revolutionized the field of antifungal research permitting researchers to quickly identify novel compounds and gain greater insights into drug resistance mechanisms. Researchers can analyze the whole organism's response to any particular condition or compound, thereby providing a deeper understanding of fungal biology and the host-fungus interaction. In this book, a panel of high-profile contributors provides an overview of current antifungal research. Chapters are written from a molecular and genomic perspective and contain speculative models upon which to base future research efforts. Topics include: the molecular mechanisms responsible for antifungal resistance to the classical molecules, azoles, polyenes, and echinocandins * fungal biofilms * fungal-specific biological pathways that constitute potential new targets * strategy to potentiate existing antifungal agents * impact of high throughput screenings of chemical compound collections * modulating the host response * antifungal vaccines * animals models. The book will be an essential reference for everyone with an interest in fungal pathogenesis. It is recommended for all biology and medical libraries. [Subject: Molecular Biology, Genomics, Life Science

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bifidobacteria are amongst the most important groups of microorganisms used in the food industry. For example, LAB are used in the production of fermented products, such as yoghurts, cheese and pickled vegetables. In addition LAB can inhibit the growth of spoilage microbes and/or pathogens in their environment by lowering the pH and/or through the production of antimicrobial peptides, called bacteriocins. Both LAB and bifidobacteria are also thought to have health-promoting abilities and many are used as probiotics for the prevention, alleviation and treatment of intestinal disorders in humans and animals. In this comprehensive book, expert international authors review the most recent cutting-edge research in these areas. Topics include: Lactobacillus genomics; Bifidobacterium gene manipulation technologies; metabolism of human milk oligosaccharides in bifidobacteria; proton-motive metabolic cycles; oxidative stress and oxygen metabolism; Bifidobacterium response to O2; bile acid stress in LAB and bifidobacteria; protein structure quality control; bacteriocin classification and diversity; lactococcal bacteriocins; lactobacilli bacteriocins; other bacteriocins; production of optically pure lactic acid; antihypertensive metabolites from LAB; the anti-H. pylori effect of Lactobacillus gasseri; probiotics for allergic rhinitis; probiotics health claims in Japan and Europe. Essential reading for every researcher working with LAB, bifidobacteria and probiotics, from the PhD student to the experienced scientist.

Advances in understanding soil functionality are being realised by harnessing omics technologies such as metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, proteomics and volatilomics.

Every year, with an estimated 1.3 million new cases and more than 20,000 deaths, Leishmaniasis continues to be a menace in countries across the globe. With the absence of an anti-Leishmania vaccine - along with the toxicity of current anti-parasite drugs and coupled with the rapid emergence of drug resistant Leishmania strains - there remains significant challenges for disease control. This has spurred a plethora of research initiatives into parasite biology, parasite-host interaction, mechanisms of disease pathogenesis, drug development, and the molecular mechanism of drug resistance. Insights obtained from various studies are essential for the development of novel anti-Leishmania treatment strategies. In this timely book, respected Leishmania experts distil important current research, highlighting the most insightful discoveries in the field. Topics covered include: modulation of host miRNA * heat shock proteins * iron in the Leishmania-macrophage interaction * oxidative and nitrosative stress response * cell death * strategies for immune evasion * STAT signaling * parasite modulation of toll-like receptors in macrophages * T cells in Leishmania infection * vaccine biology * inhibitors of Leishmania DNA topoisomerases * mechanism of drug resistance in visceral Leishmaniasis. The book is an essential text for everyone in the Leishmania community and is recommended for researchers working in related fields.

Metagenomics is one of the fastest advancing fields in biology. By permitting access to the genomes of entire communities of bacteria, viruses and fungi otherwise inaccessible, metagenomics is extending our comprehension of the diversity, ecology, evolution and functioning of the microbial world, as well as contributing to the emergence of new applications in many different areas. The continual and dynamical development of faster sequencing techniques, together with the advancement of methods to cope with the exponentially increasing amount of data generated, are expanding our capacity for the analysis of microbial communities from an unlimited variety of habitats and environments. The synergism with the new emerging 'omics' approaches is showing the path to functional metagenomics and to adopting integrative, wider viewpoints like systems biology. This book covers the most innovative and recent advances in theoretical, methodological and applied areas of metagenomics. Topics covered include metagenomics integration with complementary technologies, bacterial genealogy, viral metagenomics, the regulation of prokaryotic communities, functional metagenomics, systems biology, next-generation sequencing, stable isotope probing, DNA sequencing of uncultured microbes, cyberinfrastructure resource, identification of novel viruses, metagenomics of fungal communities, the human microbiome, microbial bioremediation, metagenomic enzyme discovery, quorum-sensing, plant-pathogen interactions, and metagenomics of belowground microbial communities. The book is aimed at researchers and environmental managers involved in metagenomics, students starting research in this field and teachers interested in the new developments.

Streptomycetes are unusually complex bacteria that are abundant in soil. They grow as branching filaments and form chains of spores. Most importantly, they have an extraordinary ability to make antibiotics, for which they are the main industrial source, as well as other metabolites with medicinal properties. In recent years, the search for new antibiotics and other drugs in streptomycetes has been augmented by genomic studies, genome mining, and new biotechnological approaches. With contributions from some of the leading scientists in the field, this book documents recent research and development in streptomycetes genomics, physiology, and metabolism. With a focus on biotechnology and genomics, the book provides an excellent source of up-to-date information. Topics include: genome architecture * conjugative genetic elements * differentiation * protein secretion * central carbon metabolic pathways * regulation of nitrogen assimilation * phosphate control of metabolism * gamma-butyrolactones and their role in antibiotic regulation * clavulanic acid and clavams * genome-guided exploration * gene clusters for bioactive natural products * genomics of cytochromes p450. The book is essential reading for research scientists, biotechnologists, graduate students, and other professionals involved in streptomycetes research, antibiotic and antimicrobial development, drug discovery, soil microbiology and related fields. It is a recommended text for all microbiology laboratories.