This book summarises the current knowledge on the role played by biologically relevant transition metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Co, Cu and Mg) in the basic biology and virulence of bacterial pathogens from the genus Brucella. The authors explore the biological functions of these metals, how these bacteria compete with their mammalian hosts for these metals and how they avoid metal toxicity. Researchers and professionals studying zoonotic pathogens from the genus Brucella find this book valuable.

Brucella is a genus of Gram-negative, facultative, intracellular bacteria that are highly pathogenic for a variety of mammals, including humans. Recently, the World Health Organization cited brucellosis to be the world's most widespread zoonosis. An important feature of the pathogenicity of these organisms is their ability to survive and replicate within the host macrophages. However, the mechanism for this is unclear. In addition, none of the classical bacterial virulence factors found in other bacterial pathogens have been found in the genomes of the 40 Brucella species and biovars analyzed to date. Nevertheless, the application of systems biology approaches in recent years has transformed research, permitting fascinating new insights into Brucella molecular biology and genomics. Written by highly acclaimed Brucella scientists, this book comprehensively reviews the most important advances in the field. The opening chapters focus on genetic diversity within Brucella, covering both classical and new species. Particular emphasis is given to how comparative genomics has led to advances in molecular diagnostics, taxonomy, and phylogeny. Additional chapters cover proteomic analysis, transcriptomic analysis, the VirB type IV secretion system, signaling complexes - e.g. the BvrR/BvrS two-component regulatory system and quorum sensing. These chapters highlight the intricate interplay between factors involved in virulence. Another chapter discusses the role of the Brucella cell envelope in bacterial virulence and evasion of host defenses, and the final two chapters review the current strategies for the development of novel antibacterial agents and improved vaccines. This volume is essential reading for everyone with an interest in Brucella and brucellosis. It is also recommended for cellular microbiologists and immunologists, and vaccine development scientists, as well as a wider body of scientists, veterinarians, and MDs with an interest in microbial diagnostics, microbial pathogenesis, and host-parasite interactions.

The Prokaryotes is a comprehensive, multi-authored, peer reviewed reference work on Bacteria and Achaea. This fourth edition of The Prokaryotes is organized to cover all taxonomic diversity, using the family level to delineate chapters. Different from other resources, this new Springer product includes not only taxonomy, but also prokaryotic biology and technology of taxa in a broad context. Technological aspects highlight the usefulness of prokaryotes in processes and products, including biocontrol agents and as genetics tools. The content of the expanded fourth edition is divided into two parts: Part 1 contains review chapters dealing with the most important general concepts in molecular, applied and general prokaryote biology; Part 2 describes the known properties of specific taxonomic groups. Two completely new sections have been added to Part 1: bacterial communities and human bacteriology. The bacterial communities section reflects the growing realization that studies on pure cultures of bacteria have led to an incomplete picture of the microbial world for two fundamental reasons: the vast majority of bacteria in soil, water and associated with biological tissues are currently not culturable, and that an understanding of microbial ecology requires knowledge on how different bacterial species interact with each other in their natural environment. The new section on human microbiology deals with bacteria associated with healthy humans and bacterial pathogenesis. Each of the major human diseases caused by bacteria is reviewed, from identifying the pathogens by classical clinical and non-culturing techniques to the biochemical mechanisms of the disease process. The 4th edition of The Prokaryotes is the most complete resource on the biology of prokaryotes. The following volumes are published consecutively within the 4th Edition: Prokaryotic Biology and Symbiotic Associations Prokaryotic Communities and Ecophysiology Prokaryotic Physiology and Biochemistry Applied Bacteriology and Biotechnology Human Microbiology Actinobacteria Firmicutes Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria Gammaproteobacteria Deltaproteobacteria and Epsilonproteobacteria Other Major Lineages of Bacteria and the Archaea

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

Biosafety in the Laboratory is a concise set of practical guidelines for handling and disposing of biohazardous material. The consensus of top experts in laboratory safety, this volume provides the information needed for immediate improvement of safety practices. It discusses high- and low-risk biological agents (including the highest-risk materials handled in labs today), presents the "seven basic rules of biosafety," addresses special issues such as the shipping of dangerous materials, covers waste disposal in detail, offers a checklist for administering laboratory safetyâ€"and more.

This book review series presents current trends in modern biotechnology. The aim is to cover all aspects of this interdisciplinary technology where knowledge, methods and expertise are required from chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, genetics, chemical engineering and computer science. Volumes are organized topically and provide a comprehensive discussion of developments in the respective field over the past 3-5 years. The series also discusses new discoveries and applications. Special volumes are dedicated to selected topics which focus on new biotechnological products and new processes for their synthesis and purification. In general, special volumes are edited by well-known guest editors. The series editor and publisher will however always be pleased to receive suggestions and supplementary information. Manuscripts are accepted in English. /div

The Tropical Medicine Notebook is a new concept in providing a concise overview of the key topics in tropical medicine, using short notes, diagrams, maps, and tables to present the material in an accessible, engaging, memorable, and interesting way. The format is generally a page per topic, with division of each page into subsections by boxes to make it easy to find the relevant information. Cross-referencing is provided to allow quick linking between relevant sections of the book. Providing the key information in bite-size chunks, the Tropical Medicine Notebook is a useful companion to more comprehensive texts. Divided into eight sections; the first five cover infections caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and helminths, followed by a further three which present the topics of vector biology, disease syndromes and envenomation. Where relevant, the section is prefaced by a classification system to provide a logical overview, helping with assimilation of information and highlighting important relationships between organisms. It is an ideal learning and revision guide for students or trainees in infection, microbiology, and tropical medicine, as well as being a useful reference resource for healthcare and laboratory staff across the wide range of disciplines to which infection may present.