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.

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.

This reference book provides the first thorough description of mycoplasmas in terms of their molecular biology and pathogenicity. The smallest reported microorganisms with the smallest known cell genomes, mycoplasma species are significant pathogens of humans, animals, plants and insects, as well as major contaminants of cell cultures. As a single, comprehensive reference providing current information and ideas about mycoplasma pathogenicity, this book will be extremely useful to a wide range of scientists and clinicians.

This book and its companion, Volume I, concentrate on new procedures--especially those based on the new molecular methodology--developed within the past decade. This volume deals with the new genetic and immunological tools applied to the diagnosis of mycoplasma infections of humans, animals, plants, insects, and all cultures. Volume I outlines the approaches, techniques, and procedures applied to cell and molecular biology studies of mycoplasmas. - Diagnostic genetic probes - Immunological tools - Antibiotic sensitivity testing - Diagnosis of specific diseases - Experimental infections - Diagnosis of mycoplasma infections of cell cultures

This is a collection of cutting-edge mycoplasma methods for the detection, isolation, identification, characterization, and genetic manipulation of the pathogenic mycoplasmas. These step-by-step methods are crafted for successful reproducibility and include biochemical, genetic, and molecular techniques essential to understanding pathogenecity and adhesion to host cells. They also cover the detection of mycoplasmas in cell cultures, an important tool not only in viral diagnosis and research, but also in the production of vaccines and various biological products.

Comprehensively explores sexually transmitted diseases, from epidemiology, causative pathogens, clinical impact, and immunology, to management strategies utilizing new strategies of genomics and next-generation diagnostic tools Sexually transmitted infections (STI) are very common worldwide. More than 20 different STIs have been identified, and about 19 million men and women are infected each year in the United States alone. This book looks at the complete picture of common STIs— how they form, evolve, and transmit, as well as how they can be treated and managed with modern techniques, medicines, and tools. Diagnostics to Pathogenomics of Sexually Transmitted Infections runs the spectrum of discussion ranging from introduction of causative pathogen, their pathogenesis to epidemiology, immunology, to anatomy and physiology of human genitalia and management strategies. The book offers in-depth chapter coverage on effect of probiotics on reproductive health; mucosal immunity in sexually transmitted infections; the role of circumcision in preventing STIs; Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); genital herpes; molluscum contagiosum; genital warts; chlaymydia trachomatis; donovanosis; gonorrhoea; treponematoses; genital mycoplasms; bacterial vaginosis; vulvovaginal candidiasis; chlaymydia; scabies; chancroid, yeast infections; and more. Comprehensively compiles most of the major sexually transmitted infections Presents updated information on clinical aspects of sexually transmitted infections Examines the priorities in pathogenesis of human sexually transmitted infections and discusses new strategies of genomics and next-generation diagnostic tools used for detection of such pathogens Explores the future of rapid molecular diagnostic techniques and the challenges posed in the diagnosis of human STIs Includes bench to bedside content that will appeal to both basic and clinical researchers By offering the latest knowledge about recent advances in sexually transmitted infections in an interdisciplinary fashion, Diagnostics to Pathogenomics of Sexually Transmitted Infections is the perfect book for virologists, microbiologists, infectious disease experts, vaccinologists, biomedical researchers, clinicians, pharmacologists, and public health specialists.