Virulence mechanisms of bacterial pathogens.

Includes index.

The field of microbial pathogenesis has expanded rapidly over the past decade. Literally thousands of research papers have been published and new specialty journals on microbial pathogenesis have appeared, giving rise to the need for a text that reviews the entire field of bacterial virulence mechanisms and summarizes the major advances. The third edition of this best-selling volume provides an overview of current knowledge of the wide variety of mechanisms used by bacterial pathogens in establishing infection, producing disease, and persisting in the host. Internationally recognized authorities in the field review bacterial invasion, colonization, and survival; bacterial evasion of host defense mechanisms; bacterial effects on host cell function; and identification, regulation, and transfer of virulence genes. The final chapter presents an interesting examination of new methods for studying virulence mechanisms in the complex in vivo environment, a major development in studies of bacterial pathogenicity. The overall emphasis is on understanding the mechanisms of host-pathogen interactions rather than on focusing on specific research approaches. Virulence Mechanisms of Bacterial Pathogens, 3rd Edition is valuable reading for molecular biologists, infectious disease specialists, researchers, industry scientists, faculty, and graduate students.