A unique and timely review of the emergence of eukaryotic virulence in fungi, oomycetes, and protozoa, as they affect both animals and plants Evolution of Virulence in Eukaryotic Microbes addresses new developments in defining the molecular basis of virulence in eukaryotic pathogens. By examining how pathogenic determinants have evolved in concert with their hosts, often overcoming innate and adaptive immune mechanisms, the book takes a fresh look at the selective processes that have shaped their evolution. Introductory chapters ground the reader in principal evolutionary themes such as phylogenetics and genetic exchange, building a basis of knowledge for later chapters covering advances in genetic tools, how pathogens exchange genetic material in nature, and the common themes of evolutionary adaptation that lead to disease in different hosts. With the goal of linking the research findings of the many disparate scientific communities in the field, the book: Assembles for the first time a collection of chapters on the diversity of eukaryotic microorganisms and the influence of evolutionary forces on the origins and emergence of their virulent attributes Highlights examples from three important, divergent groups of eukaryotic microorganisms that cause disease in animals and plants: oomycetes, protozoan parasites, and fungi Covers how the development of genetic tools has fostered the identification and functional analyses of virulence determinants Addresses how pathogens exchange genetic material in nature via classical or modified meiotic processes, horizontal gene transfer, and sexual cycles including those that are cryptic or even unisexual Provides a broad framework for formulating future studies by illustrating themes common to different pathogenic microbes Evolution of Virulence in Eukaryotic Microbes is an ideal book for microbiologists, evolutionary biologists and medical professionals, as well as graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and faculty members working on the evolution of pathogens.

This book represents a unique combination of recently-emerged information on eukaryotic microbes, evolution and genomics. Eukaryotes, cells with nuclei, evolved as microbes and have existed on Earth for approximately 2 billion years. Although currently relatively understudied, eukaryotic microorganisms are of critical importance to ecosystems (through their involvement in global biogeochemical cycles), human health (they include some of the deadliest pathogens), and our desire tounderstand global biodiversity. Recent advances, particularly in DNA sequencing technologies, are making eukaryotic microbes more accessible through genome analyses. Insights from these studies are challenging previously held theories of genome evolution, based on studies of a limited number of plants,animals and fungi.

Bacteria have been the dominant forms of life on Earth for the past 3.5 billion years. They rapidly evolve, constantly changing their genetic architecture through horizontal DNA transfer and other mechanisms. Consequently, it can be difficult to define individual species and determine how they are related. Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology examines how bacteria and other microbes evolve, focusing on insights from genomics-based studies. Contributors discuss the origins of new microbial populations, the evolutionary and ecological mechanisms that keep species separate once they have diverged, and the challenges of constructing phylogenetic trees that accurately reflect their relationships. They describe the organization of microbial genomes, the various mutations that occur, including the birth of new genes de novo and by duplication, and how natural selection acts on those changes. The role of horizontal gene transfer as a strong driver of microbial evolution is emphasized throughout. The authors also explore the geologic evidence for early microbial evolution and describe the use of microbial evolution experiments to examine phenomena like natural selection. This volume will thus be essential reading for all microbial ecologists, population geneticists, and evolutionary biologists.

Established almost 30 years ago, Methods in Microbiology is the most prestigious series devoted to techniques and methodology in the field. Now totally revamped, revitalized, with a new format and expanded scope, Methods in Microbiology will continue to provide you with tried and tested, cutting-edge protocols to directly benefit your research. Focuses on the methods most useful for the microbiologist interested in the way in which bacteria cause disease Includes section devoted to 'Approaches to characterising pathogenic mechanisms' by Stanley Falkow Covers safety aspects, detection, identification and speciation Includes techniques for the study of host interactions and reactions in animals and plants Describes biochemical and molecular genetic approaches Essential methods for gene expression and analysis Covers strategies and problems for disease control

'Microbial Pathogenomics' contains a unique collection of reviews demonstrating how genomics has revolutionized our understanding of virulence, host-adaptation strategies and the evolution of bacterial pathogens. Current technologies - computational tools and functional approaches to genome analysis - are carefully documented and clearly illustrated. These include visualization tools for genome comparison, databases, in silico metabolic reconstructions and function prediction as well as interactomics for the study of protein-protein interactions. The concepts of pan-genomics and reverse vaccinology are introduced as strategies when addressing the challenge presented by bacterial diversity in the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases. The authors explore individual bacterial pathogens and discuss the mechanisms that have contributed to their evolutionary success. Special cases of host adaptation, for example, are illustrated by Helicobacter pylori and 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis' which are human-specific and highly persistent; further bacteria discussed include 'Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Pseudomonas, Legionella, Bartonella, Burkholderia' and 'Staphylococcus'.'Microbial Pathogenomics' provides the reader with a global view of key aspects and future trends in bacterial pathogenomics and evaluates their impact on the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases. Well illustrated and accessible to both specialists and nonspecialists, it is recommended not only for researchers in microbiology, genomics and biotechnology, but also for lecturers and teachers.

By bringing together data from genome studies of diverse eukaryotic microbes, this book elucidates the many novelties among eukaryotic genomes.

This publication is a collection of essays on the biology of intracellular parasitisms where both bacterial and protozoan parasites are discussed. The juxtaposition of authors representing fields of research emphasizes the many common problems facing intracellular parasites and the hosts that harbor them. In addition, numerous illustrations of how different parasites and host attempt to solve these problems in different ways are provided. The book includes one or more chapters on Bdellovibrio, Chlamydia, Rickettsia, Coxiella, Legionella, Shigellae, Mycobacterium, Microsporidium, Plasmodium, and Toxoplasma. The authors frequently speculate and generalize on the subject matter discussed.