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.

Swine can be infected with many different mycoplasmas. Some are important pathogens, causing significant health and welfare issues in pigs and major losses to the swine industry worldwide. Other mycoplasmas are not pathogenic for swine and can be considered commensals. This book provides up-to-date scientific, clinical and practical information of the most important pathogenic mycoplasmas in swine. Most emphasis has been placed on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae as the most economically important, but other pathogenic species like Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma hyosynoviae and Mycoplasma suis are also discussed. Written by internationally renowned scientists and clinicians from all over the world, this book draws together in depth knowledge, expertise and experience in swine mycoplasmas to provide an evidence-based, academically rigorous and practical collection. It aims to serve the scientific and veterinary community and the swine industry worldwide.