This book provides an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms and biological consequences of genome rearrangements in bacteria. Genome rearrangements are a result of the actions of discrete genetic elements such as conjugative transposons, plasmids, phage, and non-conjugative transposons. Bacteria also contain systems to mediate genetic rearrangements such as the general recombination pathway and specialized endogenous recombination mechanisms. The biological effects of these rearrangements are far-reaching and impact on bacterial virulence, antibiotic resistance and the ability of bacteria to...

Written by recognized authorities, this book summarizes significant advances in understanding the complexity of host genetic susceptibility. Substantial progress has been made over the last ten years in identifying why some people are particularly susceptible to specific infectious diseases. Extensive evidence has also been accumulated to reveal that host genes are important determinants of the outcome of infection for many common pathogens. Diseases covered include those of great public health inportance such as malaria and HIV, as well as those of current topical interest such as...

Organisms replicate only when conditions are beneficial and, when not replicating, concentrate on surviving environmental stresses in a low growth state. This book addresses the basic science of microbial dormancy and low growth states in the context of human medicine. The chapters describe how bacteria can cause such diseases as stomach ulcers, bladder infections, and tuberculosis. The volume will be of interest to graduate students and researchers in medical microbiology, immunology and infectious disease medicine.

This book provides a research-level review of the current understanding of human microbiomes, functions they bring to the host, how we can model them, their role in health and disease, and exploration methods. It also covers current, hot-topic research in areas such as the long-term effects of antibiotics.