Molecular Biology Of The Mycobacteria

A comprehensive collection of perspectives by experts in mycobacterial molecular biology Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes one in four avoidable deaths in the developing world and kills more adults than malaria, AIDS, and all tropical diseases combined. Tuberculosis was named a global health emergency by the World Health Organization, a distinction no other disease has received. Although the study of mycobacterial genetics has expanded dramatically, with new investigations into mycobacterial growth, replication, metabolism, physiology, drug susceptibility, and virulence, most of the problems in tuberculosis control that existed in 2000 remain today. Advances in our understanding of mycobacterial genetics have been reflected in exciting recent developments. New diagnostic approaches can identify drug resistance within a few hours, promising new drugs are progressing through the pipeline and into the clinic, and a range of newly developed vaccines are being evaluated. It is an exciting time as the fruits of 30 years of intensive genetic investigation are finally beginning to emerge. Written by leading experts in the field, Molecular Genetics of Mycobacteria, Second Edition, Discusses key areas of current research in mycobacterial genetics Explains the genetics of the physiology, metabolism, and drug sensitivities of M. tuberculosis Presents genetic approaches for manipulating M. tuberculosis This book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the molecular genetics and molecular biology of mycobacteria.

Tuberculosis continues to kills more people than any other single infective agent. The resurgence of the disease in many countries has produced a heightened awareness of the threat posed by mycobacterial infections. At the same time, there has been an explosion of knowledge of the fundamental properties of mycobacteria, most notably the determination of the complete genome sequence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This book provides an up-to-date account of these developments in the molecular biology and immunology of mycobacteria, coupled with allied advances of a more applied nature, such as the use of molecular techniques for diagnosis and epidemiological investigations. With chapters contributed from an international team of experts, it will not only be an essential reference text for the expanding mycobacterial research community, but also will find a prominent place on the shelves of clinicians, infectious disease and public health specialists, diagnostic laboratories, postgraduate students and indeed anyone concerned with the management and investigation of outbreaks of tuberculosis. Comprehensively covers recent advances in the molecular biology of the mycobacteria. First book to be published on this subject since the publishing of the complete genome for the tubercle bacillus (M. tuberculosis). Coincides with a worldwide resurgence of tuberculosis.

Millions of people die each year from tuberculosis and millions more are infected. The emergence of drug-resistant forms of Mycobacteriumcombined with the paucity of new drugs makes the study of the molecular biology of this organism especially urgent. In this book expert researchers critically review the current and most recent advances in this vitally important subject. The focus is on the topical and most relevant aspects of mycobacterial molecular biology and the book aims to give readers an insight into the current understanding of the subject and the future direction of research. Chapters include sections on future trends, web resources and useful reference sections. Among the topics covered are DNA replication, cell division, regulatory systems, protein export, drug resistance, vaccine technology, and much, much more. Essential reading for scientists and researchers working on mycobacteria and a recommended text for all microbiology laboratories.

A valuable reference text for all microbiology laboratories and essential reading for all scientists and researchers involved with mycobacteria.

Based on a meeting held at the University of Surrey in September 1989, this book details progress in search since the first reports of cloning of mycobacterial genes were published some five years ago. Mycobacteriologists, bacterial geneticists, and those with an interest in microbial pathogenesis will find this volume to be invaluable.

Tuberculosis continues to kills more people than any other single infective agent. The resurgence of the disease in many countries has produced a heightened awareness of the threat posed by mycobacterial infections. At the same time, there has been an exp.

The aim of this book is to provide detailed protocols for studying the molecular biology of the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and its int- actions with host cells. As established mycobacterial laboratories move - wards exploiting the genome, and laboratories with expertise in other fields apply them to mycobacteria, both traditional and novel methodologies need to be reviewed. Thus the chapters in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Protocols range from perspectives on storage of strains and safety issues to the application of the latest functional genomics technologies. The last few years have been remarkable ones for research into M. tuber- losis. The most important landmark by far has been the completion of the genome sequence of the widely studied H37Rv strain (1). We can now predict every protein and RNA molecule made by the pathogen. This information is or will soon be enriched by the addition of genome sequences of other strains from the M. tuberculosis complex: a second strain of M. tuberculosis, My- bacterium bovis, and the vaccine strain, M. bovis BCG. Valuable comparative data will also be provided by the genome sequences of Mycobacterium leprae, Mycobacterium avium, and Streptomyces coelicolor. Another recent milestone for M. tuberculosis has been the development of efficient mutagenesis me- odologies, the lack of which has been a major handicap in functional studies.

Tuberculosis remains one of the main fatal infections in humans. With annual morbidity and mortality rates worldwide of 8 and 2 million cases respectively, the disease is far from being eradicated. In fact, the dangerous liaison between TB and HIV, and the increasing incidences of multidrug resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are aggravating the problem. The latest epidemiological data indicate that new drugs and a novel vaccine are urgently needed to control TB adequately. This volume summarizes the state of the art in the prevention, diagnosis and therapy of TB. In addition, the molecular biology of M. tuberculosis and the immunology of the host response are presented. Researchers are beginning to understand how the immune response controls the pathogen quite efficiently, yet fails to eradicate it completely in the 2 billion people worldwide who are infected but do not develop the disease. Finally, recent strategies towards the development of new vaccines are reviewed. Scientists investigating the epidemiology, immunology and molecular biology of TB or engaged in vaccine and drug development as well as physicians and social workers treating TB patients will benefit from this timely overview.