This compendium is the result of the FEMS Workshop on "Rapid Diagnosis of Mycoplasmas" which I organized and which took place in Jerusalem, Israel, August 11-23, 1991. The first week's sessions were held at a resort on the outskirts of Jerusalem and consisted of lectures and discussions. This part was modelled along the lines of the Gordon Conference in the USA, i.e., in an intimate atmo sphere in which everyone could mix and exchange ideas, and was very benefi cial. About 100 scientists from around the world attended the first week. Dur ing the first week, the biology, molecular biology and pathophysiology of myco plasmas, as well as all the main diagnostic methods were covered, including both conventional and the newer technologies. The session on mycoplasmas in the human urogenital tracts was held in conjunction with the Israel Society for the Study and Prevention of Sexually Transmitted Disease. The second week was a laboratory session and was held at the Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School campus in Ein Karem, Jerusalem. All ex periments were conducted by eminent specialists in their field. The lab session had 36 participants from 19 countries who used the most modern techniques for the diagnosis of mycoplasmas in medicine, veterinary medicine and agri culture. The efficacy of several commercial kits were also tested at this time. I want to again thank everyone who helped and supported this work shop, as well as the authors of the various chapters.

was the result of the efforts of Robert Cleverdon. The rapidly developing discipline of molecular biology and the rapidly expanding knowledge of the PPLO were brought together at this meeting. In addition to the PPLO specialists, the conference invited Julius Marmur to compare PPLO DNA to DNA of other organisms; David Garfinkel, who was one of the first to develop computer models of metabolism; Cyrus Levinthal to talk about coding; and Henry Quastler to discuss information theory constraints on very small cells. The conference was an announcement of the role of PPLO in the fundamental understanding of molecular biology. Looking back 40-some years to the Connecticut meeting, it was a rather bold enterprise. The meeting was international and inter-disciplinary and began a series of important collaborations with influences resonating down to the present. If I may be allowed a personal remark, it was where I first met Shmuel Razin, who has been a leading figure in the emerging mycoplasma research and a good friend. This present volume is in some ways the fulfillment of the promise of that early meeting. It is an example of the collaborative work of scientists in building an understanding of fundamental aspects of biology.

Mycoplasmas are the smallest of free-living organisms and are intermediate between viruses and bacteria. Many species thrive as parasites in animal (including human) hosts. This book is based on proceedings of a conference held in Palermo, Italy. It reviews some of the most important mycoplasma diseases of sheep, goats and cattle including contagious bovine pleuropneumonia, contagious agalactia and calf pneumonia, which are listed by the OIE because of their economic implications.

Created by leading international experts, Mycoplasmas: Molecular Biology, Pathogenicity, and Strategies for Control represents a cutting-edge summary of current knowledge in the field. Mycoplasmas, or mollicutes, form a large group of bacteria that can infect humans, animals, and plants. This comprehensive text focuses on the molecular and cell biology of mycoplasmas and related mollicutes. It also explores pathogenesis and emerging strategies for control. Coverage includes a variety of topics including genome analysis, gene vectors, genomics, motility, chemotaxis, attachment, molecular epidemiology, immunology, diagnosis, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccine technology.

At some point in their careers, virtually every scientist and technician, as well as many medical professionals, regardless of their area of specialization have a need to utilize cell culture systems. Updating and significantly expanding upon the previous editions, Basic Cell Culture Protocols, Fourth Edition provides the novice cell culturist with sufficient information to perform the basic techniques, to ensure the health and identity of their cell lines, and to be able to isolate and culture specialized primary cell types. The intent of this extensive volume is to generate a valuable resource containing clear methodologies pertinent to current areas of investigation, rather than attempting to educate cell culturists on specific cell types or organ systems. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM, 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. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Basic Cell Culture Protocols, Fourth Edition compiles the essential techniques needed to approach this vital laboratory activity with full success.

Provides a fully revised Eleventh Edition of the definitive reference to swine health and disease Diseases of Swine has been the definitive reference on swine health and disease for over 60 years. This new edition has been completely revised to include the latest information, developments, and research in the field. Now with full color images throughout, this comprehensive and authoritative resource has been redesigned for improved consistency and readability, with a reorganized format for more intuitive access to information. Diseases of Swine covers a wide range of essential topics on swine production, health, and management, with contributions from more than 100 of the foremost international experts in the field. This revised edition makes the information easy to find and includes expanded information on welfare and behavior. A key reference for anyone involved in the swine industry, Diseases of Swine, Eleventh Edition: Presents a thorough revision to the gold-standard reference on pig health and disease Features full color images throughout the book Includes information on the most current advances in the field Provides comprehensive information on swine welfare and behavior Offers a reorganized format to make the information more accessible Written for veterinarians, academicians, students, and individuals and agencies responsible for swine health and public health, Diseases of Swine, Eleventh Edition is an essential guide to swine health. "The 11th edition of Diseases of Swine continues to serve as the gold-standard resource for anything and everything related to swine herd health...this edition does an outstanding job of keeping up with the advanced diagnostic technologies and the latest research on new or emerging diseases and syndromes...there is no other informational resource that comes close to providing the depth or quality of information on the topic of swine diseases as does this book"