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 for rapid, sensitive, and specific characterization of parasites. The large number of original and modified molecular protocols that have been developed over the years creates a dilemma for those attempting to adopt the most appropriate protocol for streamlined identification and detection of human pathogenic organisms of interest. Part of a four-volume collection, Molecular Detection of Human Parasitic Pathogens provides a reliable and comprehensive resource on the molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens. This volume contains expert contributions from international scientists involved in human parasitic pathogen research and diagnosis. Following a similar format throughout, each chapter includes: A brief review on the classification, biology, epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis of an important pathogenic parasitic genus/group An outline of clinical sample collection and preparation procedures and a selection of representative stepwise molecular protocols A discussion on further research needs relating to improved diagnoses of major human parasitic pathogens This versatile reference on molecular detection and identification of major human parasitic pathogens is an indispensable tool for upcoming and experienced medical, veterinary, and industrial laboratory scientists engaged in parasite characterization. It is also suitable as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students majoring in parasitology.

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.

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 th

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.

While the vast majority of our food supplies are nutritious and safe, foodborne pathogen-related illness still affects millions of people each year. Large outbreaks of foodborne diseases — such as the recent salmonella outbreak linked to various peanut butter products — continue to be reported with alarming frequency. All-Encompassing Guide to Detection Techniques One of the most effective ways to control and prevent human foodborne infections is to implement a pathogen surveillance system. Addressing the biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis of more than 60 microorganisms, Molecular Detection of Foodborne Pathogens demonstrates how to implement a surveillance system that uses state-of-the-art molecular techniques to quickly detect and identify bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic pathogens concerned. Included in each chapter: Concise review of the selected pathogen in respect to its biology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis Summary of molecular detection methods available Description of clinical/food sample collection and preparation procedures Selection of robust, effective, step-by-step detection protocols Discussion of the current challenges and ongoing research needs to further extend utility and performance of molecular diagnostic methods With proven, ready-to-use protocols (including commercial kits), this globally pertinent resource demonstrates how speedy and effective detection methods can lead to more lives saved and a consistently safe, quality, and trustworthy food supply.

Early detection is essential to the control of emerging, reemerging, and novel infectious diseases, whether naturally occurring or intentionally introduced. Containing the spread of such diseases in a profoundly interconnected world requires active vigilance for signs of an outbreak, rapid recognition of its presence, and diagnosis of its microbial cause, in addition to strategies and resources for an appropriate and efficient response. Although these actions are often viewed in terms of human public health, they also challenge the plant and animal health communities. Surveillance, defined as "the continual scrutiny of all aspects of occurrence and spread of a disease that are pertinent to effective control", involves the "systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of health data." Disease detection and diagnosis is the act of discovering a novel, emerging, or reemerging disease or disease event and identifying its cause. Diagnosis is "the cornerstone of effective disease control and prevention efforts, including surveillance." Disease surveillance and detection relies heavily on the astute individual: the clinician, veterinarian, plant pathologist, farmer, livestock manager, or agricultural extension agent who notices something unusual, atypical, or suspicious and brings this discovery in a timely way to the attention of an appropriate representative of human public health, veterinary medicine, or agriculture. Most developed countries have the ability to detect and diagnose human, animal, and plant diseases. Global Infectious Disease Surveillance and Detection: Assessing the Challenges-Finding Solutions, Workshop Summary is part of a 10 book series and summarizes the recommendations and presentations of the workshop.