Staphylococcus

Staphylococci remain the most important cause of hospital-acquiredinfections in the U.S. and MRSA has become the most common cause ofskin and soft tissue infection in many parts of the world. There is now a much greater understanding of the physiology andevolution of the staphylococci and this new edition reflects therapid advancements in knowledge about this pathogen and provides acomprehensive review from both clinical and basic scienceperspectives. The first section addresses the basic biology of thestaphylococci, their molecular genetics, host defenses and hostevasion, virulence determinants, mechanisms of antibioticresistance, and laboratory techniques. The second section dealswith epidemiology, and the third section provides an overview ofthe varied clinical manifestations of human staphylococcalinfections. The fourth section covers prevention and treatment ofthese often life-threatening infections. Written by experts from around the globe, this book is essentialreading for all clinicians and basic scientists studying thestaphylococci.

This volume offers a comprehensive overview of basic and applied aspects of Staphylococcus aureus, which is one of the most important human pathogens. It includes sixteen chapters that address the microbiology and immunology of S. aureus, the pathology of its key manifestations, and the current standard of care. Further, it reviews cutting-edge advances in alternative therapeutic and prophylactic approaches to antibiotics. All chapters were written by respected experts in the field – presenting recent findings on a diverse range of aspects, they are nonetheless interlinked. As such, the book is a must-read for all researchers, clinicians and technicians engaged in basic or applied science work involving S. aureus.

Staphylococcus aureus provides information on food borne outbreaks of disease and their impact on human health. It is for anyone interested in the features of the pathogen, and its food safety aspects, as well as its prevalence and possible control and eradication options. This is a practical reference for those in the food industry, but also includes some theoretical information useful for advising. The book introduces detailed features and molecular biology of the pathogen, as well as selective methods of detection, prevention and eradication essential for research. It covers methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus for food related industries, information on genetic lineages, cell wall components, cell division machinery, molecular characterization, and capillary electrophoresis for detecting and characterizing staphylococcus aureus. Includes information on established and novel antibiotic agents for experimental studies and methods of control and eradication Presents use cases of outbreak studies in molecular and cell biology Provides summary points of detection methods and applicability of those methods to other foodborne pathogens Covers the Staphylococcus aureus’ mode of transmission, detection, biology and impact on foodborne illness

This volume details the phenotypic characterization of Staphylococcus aureus, with a focus on in vitro and ex vivo methodologies. The chapters in this book cover topics such as in vitro assessment of classical S. aureus virulence attributes; quantifying promoter activity using a S. aureus codon-optimized lacZ plasmid; biologically-relevant growth environments; metabolic and stress resistance assays; and in vivo and ex vivo models of host-pathogen interaction. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, 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. Cutting-edge and authoritative, Staphylococcus aureus: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for anyone interested in this fascinating and developing field.

Superantigens constitute a growing family of bacterial and viral proteins that share the capacity of inducing massive activation of the immune system. This volume contains contributions from leaders in the field of classical T cell superantigens and sheds light on relevant B cell superantigens at the molecular and biochemical levels. This is the first volume to put together basic and clinical aspects of the classical T cell superantigens, B cell superantigens and superallergens. It will therefore be indispensable reading to basic and clinical immunologists, microbiologists, virologists and specialists in allergic and immune disorders.

Staphylococcus was first recognized as a human pathogen in 1880 and was named for its grape cluster-like appearance. In 1884, Staphylococcus aureus was identified and named for its vibrant golden color, which was later found to be the result of golden toxin production. Here, experts examine in-depth patterns of S. aureus colonization and exposures in humans, mammals, and birds that have led to the development of various clinical diseases. The mode of transmission of S. aureus and different methods for its detection in different samples are defined. Conventional antibiotic options to treat this aggressive, multifaceted, and readily adaptable pathogen are becoming limited. Alternative, novel chemotherapeutics to target S. aureus are discussed in the pages within, including herbal medicines, bee products, and modes of delivery.

Due to the highly collaborative nature of investigators working in the field, we have rapidly advanced our understanding of Staphylococcus epidermidis and other staphylococci in the last two decades. The chapters in Staphylococcus Epidermidis: Methods and Protocols are designed to give the new investigator a series of tools so they can ask novel and exciting questions related to the biology of this opportunistic pathogen, as many exciting and unexplored questions such as defining the interaction of S. epidermidis and other normal flora remain to be discovered. Written in the successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and notes on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and easily accessible, Staphylococcus Epidermidis: Methods and Protocols seeks to serve both professionals and novices with its well-honed methodologies.