Review by Kathy Lyon 
(Click on stars for an explanation) |
This book is out of print. |
This topic certainly illustrates the old adage that the more we know, the less we know. It seems that each level requires another level of understanding. Much progress has been made in the fields of pathogenesis and molecular pathogenesis. This book reflects the dedication of the researchers whose works have produced a vast body of knowledge in the interactions of pathogenic bacteria and their hosts. The 57 contributors have used their own insights, as well as the work of other colleagues, to produce interesting accounts of pathogeneses.
The opening chapter, Themes in Bacterial Pathogenic Mechanisms, sets the reader off on the right road, discussing pathogen multiplication, damage, and transmission. The basis of the study of anti-pathogenic drugs illustrates the many stages by which pathogens might be disrupted in their progression. The use of drugs that jam the quorum-sensing communications systems shows that this approach may be an effective way of preventing virulence regulons from being activated. In addition, with the increased potential for the deliberate introduction of pathogens, the discussions on epidemiology in high-risk pathogens (e.g., anthrax) are important and enlightening.
Nocardia, Actinomyces, and Dermatophilus are not covered in this volume, because the authors feel that there has not been a great increase in information in recent years.
While this book may be primarily useful for the veterinary student or researcher, the great strides in the fight against infection warrant going back to the books, so to speak. The rapid progress made in bacteriology and epidemiology often leaves the busy clinician behind. How many practitioners go home every night to stare at a stack of scientific journals that never get read? While this book may sound intimidating to the practicing (busy) clinician, the take-home information is plentiful and useful. Even if you only use it to look up topics on the run, you will find that the information is as up-to-date as you are going to find.
Blackwell Publishing (2004).
448 pages, hardcover, 7" x 10" format.
ISBN: 9780813829395.