As more original molecular protocols and subsequent modifications are described in the literature, it has become difficult for those not directly involved in the development of these protocols to know which are most appropriate to adopt for accurate identification of bacterial pathogens. Molecular Detection of Human Bacterial Pathogens addresses this issue, with international scientists in respective bacterial pathogen research and diagnosis providing expert summaries on current diagnostic approaches for major human bacterial pathogens. Each chapter consists of a brief review on the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of an important pathogenic bacterial genus, an outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures, a selection of representative stepwise molecular protocols, and a discussion on further research requirements relating to improved diagnosis. This book represents a reliable and convenient reference on molecular detection and identification of major human bacterial pathogens; an indispensable tool for upcoming and experienced medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists engaged in bacterial characterization; and an essential textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in microbiology.

Infectious diseases are a global hazard that puts every nation and every person at risk. The recent SARS outbreak is a prime example. Knowing neither geographic nor political borders, often arriving silently and lethally, microbial pathogens constitute a grave threat to the health of humans. Indeed, a majority of countries recently identified the spread of infectious disease as the greatest global problem they confront. Throughout history, humans have struggled to control both the causes and consequences of infectious diseases and we will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. Following up on a high-profile 1992 report from the Institute of Medicine, Microbial Threats to Health examines the current state of knowledge and policy pertaining to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases from around the globe. It examines the spectrum of microbial threats, factors in disease emergence, and the ultimate capacity of the United States to meet the challenges posed by microbial threats to human health. From the impact of war or technology on disease emergence to the development of enhanced disease surveillance and vaccine strategies, Microbial Threats to Health contains valuable information for researchers, students, health care providers, policymakers, public health officials. and the interested public.

The first in a series of four books, this comprehensive work details the molecular detection of major human viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Focusing on sample preparation and molecular detection procedures, each chapter presents a concise review of the pathogen concerned including its taxonomy, biology, epidemiology and pathogenesis; a description of clinical sample collection preparation procedures; a summary of molecular detection methods; representative molecular detection protocols; and a discussion on the challenges, limitations, and advantages for the current methods as well as further research required to improve diagnosis.

The large number of molecular protocols available creates a dilemma for those attempting to adopt the most appropriate for streamlined identification and detection of fungal pathogens of interest. Molecular Detection of Human Fungal Pathogens provides a reliable and comprehensive resource relating the molecular detection and identification of major human fungal pathogens. This volume contains expert contributions from international mycologists involved in fungal pathogen research and diagnosis. Following a similar format throughout, each chapter comprises: A brief review of the classification, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of one or a group of related fungal species An outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures A selection of representative stepwise molecular detection protocols A discussion on further research requirements for improving the diagnosis The book offers an indispensable tool for medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists working in the area of fungal determination. It also constitutes a convenient textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in microbiology and is an essential guide for upcoming and experienced laboratory scientists wishing to acquire and polish their skills in molecular diagnosis of fungal diseases.

Traditionally, laboratory identification of parasites has relied upon various phenotypic procedures that detect their morphological, biological, and immunological features. Because these procedures tend to be time-consuming and technically demanding, molecular methods based on nucleic acid amplification technologies have been increasingly utilized

This book describes the basics and various applications of DNA fingerprinting, including in actual case studies. The book is divided in four modules; Module 1: Basics of DNA Fingerprinting, Module 2: Applications of DNA Fingerprinting, Module 3: DNA Fingerprinting: Case Studies, and Module 4: Future of DNA Fingerprinting. Each module consists of 4 to 5 chapters, written by reputed researchers, academics and forensic scientists from around the globe. The respective chapters cover e.g. related fields, the tools and techniques used, various genotyping kits, real-world case studies, ancient DNA and wild life forensics, molecular diagnosis of human diseases, legal aspects, microbial forensics and the economics of the DNA fingerprinting technique. The book offers a practical guide for professionals, graduate and post-graduate students in the fields of Forensic Science, Medicine, Genetics, Anthropology, Microbiology, and Zoology. It also serves as a useful reference resource, summarizing major technological advances in the field of DNA fingerprinting, the problems faced in this field of science and possible new solutions to these problems. Presently, DNA fingerprinting is utilized in solving the majority of criminal cases; as such, the book is also helpful for investigating agencies, as it includes representative case studies.

Recent and forecasted advances in microbiology, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry have made it timely to reassess the current paradigm of relying predominantly or exclusively on traditional bacterial indicators for all types of waterborne pathogens. Nonetheless, indicator approaches will still be required for the foreseeable future because it is not practical or feasible to monitor for the complete spectrum of microorganisms that may occur in water, and many known pathogens are difficult to detect directly and reliably in water samples. This comprehensive report recommends the development and use of a "tool box" approach by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and others for assessing microbial water quality in which available indicator organisms (and/or pathogens in some cases) and detection method(s) are matched to the requirements of a particular application. The report further recommends the use of a phased, three-level monitoring framework to support the selection of indicators and indicator approaches.Â