Bacterial Genomes And Infectious Diseases

The first bacterial genome, Haemophilus influenzae, was completely sequenced, annotated, and published in 1995. Today, more than 200 prokaryotic (archaeal and bacterial) genomes have been completed and over 500 prokaryotic genomes are in va- ous stages of completion. Seventeen eukaryotic genomes plus four eukaryotic chro- somes have been completed. The concept of achieving better understanding of an organism through knowledge of the complete genomic sequence was first demonstrated in 1978 when the first bacteriophage genome, X174, was sequenced. Complete genomic sequences of prokaryotes have led to a better understanding of the biology and evolution of the microbes, and, for pathogens, facilitated identification of new vaccine candidates, putative virulence genes, targets for antibiotics, new strategy for rapid diagnosis, and investigation of bacteria–host interactions and disease mec- nisms. Recent increased interest in microbial pathogens and infectious diseases is largely attributed to the re-emergence of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, emergence of new infectious diseases like AIDS and severe acute respiratory syndrome, the problem of an increasing rate of emergence of antibiotic-resistant variants of pathogens, and the fear of bioterrorism. Microbes are highly diverse and abundant in the biosphere. Less than 1% of these morphologically identified microbes can be cultured in vitro using standard techniques and conditions. With such abundance of microbes in nature, we can expect to see new variants and new species evolve and a small number will emerge as pathogens to humans.

Genetics and Evolution of Infectious Diseases is at the crossroads between two major scientific fields of the 21st century: evolutionary biology and infectious diseases. The genomic revolution has upset modern biology and has revolutionized our approach to ancient disciplines such as evolutionary studies. In particular, this revolution is profoundly changing our view on genetically driven human phenotypic diversity, and this is especially true in disease genetic susceptibility. Infectious diseases are indisputably the major challenge of medicine. When looking globally, they are the number one killer of humans and therefore the main selective pressure exerted on our species. Even in industrial countries, infectious diseases are now far less under control than 20 years ago. The first part of this book covers the main features and applications of modern technologies in the study of infectious diseases. The second part provides detailed information on a number of the key infectious diseases such as malaria, SARS, avian flu, HIV, tuberculosis, nosocomial infections and a few other pathogens that will be taken as examples to illustrate the power of modern technologies and the value of evolutionary approaches. Takes an integrated approach to infectious diseases Includes contributions from leading authorities Provides the latest developments in the field

'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.

This book is a unique synthesis of the major concepts and methods in bacterial population genetics in infectious disease, a field that is now about 35 yrs old. Emphasis is given to explaining population-level processes that shape genetic variation in bacterial populations and statistical methods of analysis of bacterial genetic data. A "how to" of bacterial population genetics, which covers an extremely large range of organisms Expanding area of science due to high-throughput genome sequencing of bacterial pathogens Covers both fundamental approaches to analyzing bacterial population structures with conceptual background in bacterial population biology Detailed treatment of statistical methods

This volume provides an overview of host genetic factors that provide complete or partial resistance to infection, that influence the clinical outcome of infection, or that confer the capacity to remain healthy during infection. This book covers the most recent advances in the field and explores how progress in knowing the genetic basis of infectious diseases could lead to new insights in understanding and combating them.

Comprehensive examination of the current understanding of pathogen adaptation and microevolution. • Introduces the rapidly evolving field of genome plasticity, presents the latest research findings, and explores the relevance of these findings to infection and infection control. • Compiles and analyzes current investigations on the genome fluidity of pathogenic microbes. • Explores bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites from the aspect of host genome plasticity and its impact on infection.