Streptococci And The Host

Streptococci and enterococci are the etiologic agents of infectious diseases that rank among the most severe in human pathology. The diagnosis, antibiotherapy, and prevention of the streptococcal diseases have improved considerably. However, the reemergence of severe streptococcal and enterococcal diseases constitutes a growing public health con cern, which remains open to scientific and medical debate. The XIII'h Lancefield International Symposium on Streptococci and Streptococcal Diseases, held at Institut Pasteur, Paris, France, September 16---2el, 1996, attracted 505 par ticipants from 43 countries. Twenty-two percent of the participants were students, a clear sign of the intense interest in this field. Of the 390 presentations made at the symposium, 260 were submitted as manuscripts for the Proceedings; we have included 249 of these in this volume. This symposium provided a forum for the presentation of the most recent findings and approaches to understanding several important fields, such as new aspects of infec tion, bacteria~host interactions, epidemiology, and molecular genetics of streptococci and enterococci. Over the last three years, the study of these subjects has expanded as increas ingly sophisticated methods of molecular analysis have been applied to investigate the bi ology of pathogenic streptococci and enterococci. Virulence, vaccine strategies, genetics, antibiotic resistance, epidemiology, and immunology are now being examined through the lens of molecular biology. The application of recently developed techniques to this field will continue to yield insight into the mechanism by which these organisms cause disease.

This plan addresses the need to improve our ability to identify infectious disease threats and respond to them effectively by improving the public health infrastructure at the local, state and federal levels. The goals of the plan are surveillance (detect, promptly investigate, and monitor emerging pathogens, the diseases they cause, and the factors influencing their emergence); applied research (integrate laboratory science and epidemiology to optimize public health practice); prevention and control (enhance communication of public health information about emerging diseases and ensure prompt implementation of prevention strategies); and infrastructure (strengthen local, state, and federal public health infrastructures to support surveillance and implement prevention and control programs).

Streptococci are Gram-positive bacteria that cause a wide spectrum of diseases, such as pharyngitis, necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome, as well as rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease as sequelae. Antibiotics alone have not been able to control the disease and in spite of many efforts an effective vaccine is not yet available. A prerequisite for novel and successful strategies for combating these bacteria is a complete understanding of the highly complex pathogenic mechanisms involved, which are analyzed in this volume. In ten chapters, prominent authors cover various aspects including streptococcal diseases and global burden, epidemiology, adaptation and transmission, and molecular mechanisms of different diseases, as well as sequelae, vaccine development and clinical management. This book will serve as a valuable reference work for scientists, students, clinicians and public health workers and provide new approaches to meeting the challenge of streptococcal diseases.

Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease is a concise, yet comprehensive, clinical resource highlighting must-know information on rheumatic heart disease and acute rheumatic fever from a global perspective. Covering the major issues dominating the field, this practical resource presents sufficient detail for a deep and thorough understanding of the latest treatment options, potential complications, and disease management strategies to improve patient outcomes. Divided into four distinct sections for ease of navigation: Acute Rheumatic Fever, Rheumatic Heart Disease, Population-Based Strategies for Disease Control, and Acute and Emergency Presentations. International editors and chapter authors ensure a truly global perspective. Covers all clinical aspects, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnosis, management, and treatment. Includes key topics on population-based measures for disease control for effective primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. Consolidates today’s available information and guidance into a single, convenient resource.

Streptococcus Pneumoniae: Molecular Mechanisms of Host-Pathogen Interactions provides a comprehensive overview of our existing knowledge on Streptococcus pneumoniae antibiotic resistance, dissemination, and pathogenesis, including immunology. It presents a state-of-the-art overview of the implications of existing data, along with the areas of research that are important for future insights into the molecular mechanisms of pneumococcal infections and how to combat these infections. Users will find a timely update on the topic, as the dramatic increase in antibiotic resistance pneumoniae cases and limitations of the currently available pneumoniae vaccines are creating new concerns on these gram-positive bacteria that are endowed with a high virulence potential, and are the most common etiologic agent of respiratory and life-threatening invasive diseases. Provides an updated overview of our existing knowledge on Streptococcus pneumoniae antibiotic resistance, dissemination, and pathogenesis, including immunology Helps strengthen interdisciplinary networking and the focus of scientific resources by targeting epidemiology, vaccines, genetics, antibiotic resistance, clonal dissemination, Streptococcus pneumoniae biology, functional genomics, inflammasome, biomarkers, and more Multi-authored by leaders in the field who present a state-of-the-art overview of what the implications are of existing data, and the areas of research that are important for future insights into the molecular mechanisms of pneumococcal infections Supports combinatory networking in order to find new solutions in clinical therapies Reflects the most topical pneumococcal research trends

Provides comprehensive coverage of all gram-positive pathogens, including genome data. Appeals to clinicians, infectious disease specialists, and instructors and students seeking a single reference source on gram-positive bacteria.

This volume details Group A Streptococcus (GAS) research and provides the reader with an extensive collection of research protocols within this important field. Chapters guide readers through standard genetic protocols such as whole genome sequencing, transcriptome analyses, proteome analysis, application of GAS-derived molecular tools, and methods that are crucial for the evaluation of novel GAS vaccines and GAS virulence factors, including bactericidal assays and animal infection models. 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. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Group A Streptococcus: Methods and Protocols aims to ensure successful results in the further study of this vital field.

Discusses group A streptococcus and the diseases they can cause, their diagnosis, treatment, and more.