Molecular Epidemiology Of Microorganisms

The development and rapid implementation of molecular genotyping methods have re- lutionized the possibility for differentiation and classification of microorganisms at the subspecies level. Investigation of the species diversity is required to determine molecular relatedness of isolates for epidemiological studies. Methods for molecular epidemiology of microorganisms must be highly reproducible and provide effective discrimination of epidemiologically unrelated strains. A wide range of techniques has been applied to the investigation of outbreaks of tra- missible disease, and these have been critical in unraveling the route of spread of pat- gens for humans, animals, and plants. The choice of a molecular method will depend on the type of questions to be addressed, on the degree of genetic diversity of the species to be analyzed, and on the mechanisms responsible for generation of the diversity. The applications of molecular methods, singly or in combination, have greatly contributed in the past two decades to basic microbial science and public health control strategies. Molecular Epidemiology of Microorganisms: Methods and Protocols brings together a series of methods-based chapters with examples of application to some of the most important microbes. Both traditional and novel techniques are described, and the type of information that can be expected to be obtained by their application is indicated.

Advances in DNA sequencing and phylogenetic inference have created powerful methods to investigate many dangerous human viruses. The Molecular Epidemiology Of Viruses provides a comprehensive introduction to the use of genetic methods in molecular epidemiology and in-depth examples of analyses from many viruses. This book is of interest to researchers in the fields of infectious disease, virology, microbiology, evolutionary biology, epidemiology and molecular biology as well as anyone interested in tracking the spread of disease.

Molecular Tools and Infectious Disease Epidemiology examines the opportunities and methodologic challenges in the application of modern molecular genetic and biologic techniques to infectious disease epidemiology. The application of these techniques dramatically improves the 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. This book presents the key points of consideration when integrating molecular biology and epidemiology; discusses how using molecular tools in epidemiologic research affects program design and conduct; considers the ethical concerns that arise in molecular epidemiologic studies; and provides a context for understanding and interpreting scientific literature as a foundation for subsequent practical experience in the laboratory and in the field. The book is recommended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students studying infectious disease epidemiology and molecular epidemiology; and for the epidemiologist wishing to integrate molecular techniques into his or her studies. Presents the key points of consideration when integrating molecular biology and epidemiology Discusses how using molecular tools in epidemiologic research affects program design and conduct Considers the ethical concerns that arise in molecular epidemiologic studies Provides a context for understanding and interpreting scientific literature as a foundation for subsequent practical experience in the laboratory and in the field

Molecular Typing in Bacterial Infections covers common bacterial pathogenic agents, with the most effective methods for their identification and classification in the light of their specific epidemiology. The book will be a valuable resource for molecular typing of infectious diseases agents encountered in both the research and hospital clinical lab settings, as well as culture collections. Each chapter provides an overview of molecular approaches to typing bacterial pathogens. Part I gives a general overview of typing methods used in the traditional microbiology laboratory in comparison to molecular methods of epidemiology. In Part II, the relative strengths and weaknesses of the different methods applicable to the specific agents of infectious diseases are emphasized. Specific emphasis is placed on recent changes and updates in molecular typing.

This comprehensive volume focuses on molecular methods and principles of prokaryotic and eukaryotic pathogens. The authors present the molecular and cellular aspects by focusing on the interactions between pathogenic microorganisms and their hosts. The publication begins with an overview of the most important and dangerous causative agents of infectious diseases. Next are discussions of how microbial "weapons," pathogenicity factors, protein secretion machines, and surface variation systems work, presenting the molecular and genetic methods that are used by scientists for their discovery and analysis. Furthermore, infectious diseases are discussed in light of the newly formed research areas of evolutionary and cellular microbiology and genomics. Future aspects on diagnostic techniques, therapy, and vaccine development are also presented.

Foodborne and waterborne pathogens continue to be a major cause of mortality in developing countries and also cause significant morbidity in developed nations. Important pathogens include species or strains of Salmonella, Vibrio, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Yersinia, Staphylococcus, and Campylobacter. Understanding the molecular basis of pathogenesis, its evolution, and spread is critical to the development of new strategies for disease prevention and control. The application of genomic and other 'omics' technologies in recent years has led to a deluge of information in this area, making it difficult for the busy researcher to keep abreast of developments. This timely book captures the essence of the latest developments to provide a timely overview of the field. Written by leading bacteriologists, the book covers all the important bacteria and review topics, such as pathogenic properties, population genetics, virulence genes, evolution, drug resistance, epidemiology, detection, identification, and control strategies. Other topics include the molecular basis for enhanced transmissibility of waterborne pathogens, their mode of survival in the environment, and the evolution of new species with increased fitness both as pathogens and environmental organisms. The book will be essential reading for microbiologists working with these and related pathogens.