Staphylococcus: Molecular Genetics

by Jodi a Lindsay

Overview

The staphylococci are important pathogenic bacteria responsible for a variety of diseases in humans and other animals. They are the most common cause of hospital-acquired infection. Antibiotic resistant strains (MRSA) have become endemic in hospitals in most countries, causing major public health issues. In addition, the incidence of new strains that cause severe community-acquired infections in healthy people is increasing and MRSA strains are emerging in agricultural and domestic animals. In the race to understand staphylococcal pathogenesis, the focus has been on genetics, as a bacterium can only do what its genes allow. The publication of the first staphylococcal whole genome sequence in 2001 paved the way for a greater understanding of the molecular basis of its virulence, evolution, epidemiology, and drug resistance. Since then, the available genomic data has mushroomed and this, coupled with the major advances in genetic know-how and the availability of better genetic tools, has allowed significant advances to be made. This volume on staphylococcal genetics brings together the expertise and enthusiasm of an international panel of leading staphylococcal researchers to provide a state-of-the art overview of the field. Topics include the sequencing projects (including spin-off microarray and systems biology tools), epidemiology, evolution, manipulation of the genome, diagnostics, gene expression due to global regulators and environmental triggers, cell-wall synthesis, coagulase-negative species, and animal pathogens. The book is designed for two major audiences: first, as an introduction on the subject for new researchers, including those unfamiliar with genetics; and for established researchers, for whom the book will serve as an invaluable reference and summary of this large field.Ë?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781904455295
Publisher:	Caister Academic Press Limited
Publication date:	03/01/2008
Pages:	292
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 9.90(h) x 0.70(d)

Table of Contents

List of contributors v

Preface vii

1 Whole Genomes: Sequence, Microarray and Systems Biology Matthew T. G. Holden Jodi A. Lindsay 1

2 The Population Structure of Staphylococcus aureus Mark C. Enright 29

3 S. aureus Evolution: Lineages and Mobile Genetic Elements (MGEs) Jodi A. Lindsay 45

4 Rapid Diagnosis and Typing of Staphylococcus aureus Patrice Francois Jacques Schrenzel 71

5 Genetic Manipulation of Staphylococcus aureus Peter J. McNamara 89

6 Global Regulators of Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Genes Benedicte Fournier 131

7 The Response of S. aureus to Environmental Stimuli Malcolm J. Horsburgh 185

8 Mechanisms of [beta]-Lactam and Glycopeptide Resistance in Staphylococcus aureus Mariana G. Pinho 207

9 Staphylococcus epidermidis and other Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Shu Yeong Queck Michael Otto 227

10 Staphylococci of Animals J. Ross Fitzgerald Jose R. Penades 255

Index 270

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Rebecca T. Horvat, PhD, D (ABMM)(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description: One of the most common bacterial pathogens of humans is the gram-positive organism Staphylococcus aureus. It is part of the normal bacterial flora of humans and other animals but can also be a pathogen. This book reviews the recent research into the staphylococcal bacteria and their genetics.
Purpose: According to the editor, the purpose is to provide an updated overview of staphylococcal genetics and to predict the areas of needed future research. The book also discusses the clinical impact of Staphylococcus aureus infections and antibiotic resistance issues.
Audience: This book is appropriate for scientists in the basic sciences as well as human and veterinary medicine. The information is presented clearly enough for students working in this area. The authors are from institutions around the world and are known experts in this field.
Features: There are at least 30 different species of staphylococcal bacteria comprising both human and animal pathogens that have a large impact on the health of the host. These bacteria have found a variety of mechanisms to cause disease in their host. Invasive properties allow them to attach to host cells and survive inside the host. They also make a large menu of toxins that by themselves can cause disease. Of recent interest is the development of antibiotic resistance in these common pathogens. The mechanism is well established for the resistance in this species to beta lactam agents, but it is interesting to review the current information about how this resistance developed genetically. This will clearly be important as future strategies are developed to combat antibiotic-resistant staphylococcal infections.
Assessment: This is a valuable resource for information on staphylococcal bacteria. Each chapter pays some attention to the future direction of research in the area of staphylococcal pathogenesis. Overall, this is a book that will generate new research and discoveries that will benefit the health of humans and animals.

Doody's Review Service