Molecular Diagnosis And Epidemiology Of Human Pathogens

Medical Microbiology deals with the study of microorganisms that colonize or infect humans. It studies the pathogenesis and epidemiology of these microorganisms with practical applications in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases (infectious diseases, infection-related cancer, dysbiosis related diseases, etc.,). In the past two decades, its expansion is essentially due to the great advances in related fields such as immunology, genetics, bioinformatics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. New scientific knowledge and understanding make possible new applications. Nevertheless, it becomes a challenge due to lack of expertise to analyze fast-growing data and to translate them in clinical practice and medical education. The pace and sophistication of advances in all scientific disciplines applied to medical microbiology call for a comprehensive and integrative understanding of the overall knowledge development in the different related fields (immunology, genetics, bioinformatics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics, etc.,). In light of this, the main goal of this topical collection is to bridge the gap between all these fields. Each article in this compilation is a stand‐alone text based on an integrative review, which highlights advances in molecular diagnosis and epidemiology of human pathogens. It also helps researchers and practitioners to access and scrutinize the fast expanding knowledge. This research topic in medical microbiology provides an updated core of basic knowledge critical to clinical practice in medicine. It is designed for physicians, researchers, educators, residents, Lab technicians, undergraduate and graduate students. Each article deals with an important human pathogen. It uses a multidisciplinary approach integrating new advances, especially in genetics, bioinformatics, science, technology, engineering and mathematics. It provides an update of the current state-of-the-art scientific knowledge applied to molecular diagnosis and epidemiology of human pathogens. Rapid detection, accurate identification and typing of causative pathogens are necessary to optimize treatment, to trace pathogens and to study microbial population dynamics.

The application of modern molecular genetic and biologic techniques to infectious disease epidemiology dramatically improves measurement of disease and putative risk factors, increasing our ability to detect and track outbreaks, identify risk factors and detect new infectious agents. However, integration of these techniques into epidemiologic studies also poses new challenges in the design, conduct, and analysis. We examine these opportunities and methodologic challenges giving specific examples. The book will be written for the reader with limited understanding of genetics, biology and epidemiology. Presents the key points of consideration when integrating molecular biology and epidemiologyDiscusses how using molecular tools in epidemiologic research affects program design and conductConsiders the ethical concerns that arise in molecular epidemiologic studiesProvides a context for understanding and interpreting scientific literature as a foundation for subsequent practical experience in the laboratory and in the field

As more original molecular protocols and subsequent modifications are described in the literature, it has become difficult for those not directly involved in the development of these protocols to know which are most appropriate to adopt for accurate identification of bacterial pathogens. Molecular Detection of Human Bacterial Pathogens addresses this issue, with international scientists in respective bacterial pathogen research and diagnosis providing expert summaries on current diagnostic approaches for major human bacterial pathogens. Each chapter consists of a brief review on the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of an important pathogenic bacterial genus, an outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures, a selection of representative stepwise molecular protocols, and a discussion on further research requirements relating to improved diagnosis. This book represents a reliable and convenient reference on molecular detection and identification of major human bacterial pathogens; an indispensable tool for upcoming and experienced medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists engaged in bacterial characterization; and an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in microbiology.

Despite being recognized and fought against over countless centuries, human viral pathogens continue to cause major public health problems worldwide—killing millions of people and costing billions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity each year. With contributions from specialists in their respective areas of viral pathogen research, Molecular Detection of Human Viral Pathogens provides a reliable reference on molecular detection and identification of major human viral pathogens. Each chapter briefly reviews the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of one related viral pathogen or a group of them. The clinical sample collection and preparation procedures are outlined, and a selection of representative stepwise molecular detection protocols is covered. The chapters conclude with a discussion on further research requirements relating to improved diagnosis. With its judicious selection of streamlined, ready-to-use protocols for major human viral pathogens—including commercial kits—Molecular Detection of Human Viral Pathogens is an indispensable tool for medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists involved in virus determination.

The first in a series of four books, this comprehensive work details the molecular detection of major human viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Focusing on sample preparation and molecular detection procedures, each chapter presents a concise review of the pathogen concerned including its taxonomy, biology, epidemiology and pathogenesis; a description of clinical sample collection preparation procedures; a summary of molecular detection methods; representative molecular detection protocols; and a discussion on the challenges, limitations, and advantages for the current methods as well as further research required to improve diagnosis.

Designed as both a textbook and a reference, this book outlines the principles, methods, and application of this new discipline of public health. Techniques used in the field of molecular biology have been recognized as critical tools in solving infectious disease problems. This introductory volume, distinguishing molecular epidemiology from taxonomy and phylogeny, will familiarize epidemiologists with molecular biology and molecular biologists with epidemiology, and presents vocabulary and concepts of both fields to infectious disease clinicians.

Traditionally, laboratory identification of parasites has relied upon various phenotypic procedures that detect their morphological, biological, and immunological features. Because these procedures tend to be time-consuming and technically demanding, molecular methods based on nucleic acid amplification technologies have been increasingly utilized for rapid, sensitive, and specific characterization of parasites. The large number of original and modified molecular protocols that have been developed over the years creates a dilemma for those attempting to adopt the most appropriate protocol for streamlined identification and detection of human pathogenic organisms of interest. Part of a four-volume collection, Molecular Detection of Human Parasitic Pathogens provides a reliable and comprehensive resource on the molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens. This volume contains expert contributions from international scientists involved in human parasitic pathogen research and diagnosis. Following a similar format throughout, each chapter includes: A brief review on the classification, biology, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of an important pathogenic parasitic genus/group An outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures and a selection of representative stepwise molecular protocols A discussion on further research needs relating to improved diagnoses of major human parasitic pathogens This versatile reference on molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens is an indispensable tool for upcoming and experienced medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists engaged in parasite characterization. It is also suitable as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in parasitology.

In a unique way, the laboratory professionalist's knowledge about the molecular diagnostics of infectious diseases is connected with the clinician's practical experience. The increasing prevalence of infectious diseases makes correct diagnosis, ordering the right tests, quality control and correct interpretation of the results even more important. The possible pathogens are discussed in the second part according to the specific symptoms or to where the infection is located in the body. For clinicians and laboratory professionalists Up-to-date diagnostics of all infectious diseases Molecular diagnostics, diseases, choice of methods Specific pathogens in alphabetic order Tables and flow charts