Unraveling the Biology, Genetics, and Host/Environmental Interactions of Acinetobacter

Unraveling the Biology, Genetics, and Host/Environmental Interactions of Acinetobacter PDF Author: Maria Alejandra Mussi
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889639460
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222

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Book Description
Despite not being a disease in and of itself, antibiotic resistance could be considered the global epidemic of modern times, since it produces the failure to prevent and treat many infectious diseases. This can ultimately lead to untreatable microbial infections becoming more widespread and this will significantly increase morbidity and mortality. This worldwide problem is estimated to cause millions of deaths per year and could become an even more significant menace to humanity than established illnesses, such as cancer. In February 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens” – a catalogue of 12 families of bacteria which pose the greatest threat to human health - and Acinetobacter baumannii is leading the list. The most critical group includes multidrug-resistant bacteria, which pose a particular threat in hospitals, nursing homes, and among patients whose care requires devices such as ventilators and blood catheters. This group includes Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and various Enterobacteriaceae and they are often associated with deadly infections, such as bloodstream infections and pneumonia. Furthermore, these bacteria have become resistant to a large number of antibiotics, including carbapenems and third generation cephalosporins – the best available antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria. A. baumannii is a particularly worrisome example and demands attention: This pathogen turned into a menace to humans during the late 70s, likely as a result of intense antibiotic use in hospital settings, and became one of the microorganisms that are challenging the antibiotic era. Its extreme genome plasticity, combined with mechanisms of horizontal genetic transfer, have played a key role in the evolution of this microorganism, as well as its adaptability to unfavorable environments. However, its pathophysiology, as well as the mechanisms leading to its success as a pathogen, are not that simple to unveil. However, what is clear is that the triad of host-pathogen-environment is crucial in selection and establishment of multidrug-resistant clones and outbreaks. Indeed, there are still many aspects of this pathogen that require a deeper understanding - not only regarding mechanisms of resistance but also its global pathophysiology. For example, basic understanding of transmission mechanisms; knowledge of ‘external’ factors modulating persistence of the pathogen; genetic effects on host susceptibility and infectiousness; mechanisms of pathogenicity and their dynamics; and genetic variation of the pathogen affecting virulence and transmissibility are some aspects that would require further study. Furthermore, the importance of other members of the genus as important nosocomial pathogens, such as Acinetobacter nosocomialis, has been increasingly recognized during the last few years.

Unraveling the Biology, Genetics, and Host/Environmental Interactions of Acinetobacter

Unraveling the Biology, Genetics, and Host/Environmental Interactions of Acinetobacter PDF Author: Maria Alejandra Mussi
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889639460
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 222

Get Book

Book Description
Despite not being a disease in and of itself, antibiotic resistance could be considered the global epidemic of modern times, since it produces the failure to prevent and treat many infectious diseases. This can ultimately lead to untreatable microbial infections becoming more widespread and this will significantly increase morbidity and mortality. This worldwide problem is estimated to cause millions of deaths per year and could become an even more significant menace to humanity than established illnesses, such as cancer. In February 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) published a list of antibiotic-resistant “priority pathogens” – a catalogue of 12 families of bacteria which pose the greatest threat to human health - and Acinetobacter baumannii is leading the list. The most critical group includes multidrug-resistant bacteria, which pose a particular threat in hospitals, nursing homes, and among patients whose care requires devices such as ventilators and blood catheters. This group includes Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, and various Enterobacteriaceae and they are often associated with deadly infections, such as bloodstream infections and pneumonia. Furthermore, these bacteria have become resistant to a large number of antibiotics, including carbapenems and third generation cephalosporins – the best available antibiotics for treating multidrug-resistant bacteria. A. baumannii is a particularly worrisome example and demands attention: This pathogen turned into a menace to humans during the late 70s, likely as a result of intense antibiotic use in hospital settings, and became one of the microorganisms that are challenging the antibiotic era. Its extreme genome plasticity, combined with mechanisms of horizontal genetic transfer, have played a key role in the evolution of this microorganism, as well as its adaptability to unfavorable environments. However, its pathophysiology, as well as the mechanisms leading to its success as a pathogen, are not that simple to unveil. However, what is clear is that the triad of host-pathogen-environment is crucial in selection and establishment of multidrug-resistant clones and outbreaks. Indeed, there are still many aspects of this pathogen that require a deeper understanding - not only regarding mechanisms of resistance but also its global pathophysiology. For example, basic understanding of transmission mechanisms; knowledge of ‘external’ factors modulating persistence of the pathogen; genetic effects on host susceptibility and infectiousness; mechanisms of pathogenicity and their dynamics; and genetic variation of the pathogen affecting virulence and transmissibility are some aspects that would require further study. Furthermore, the importance of other members of the genus as important nosocomial pathogens, such as Acinetobacter nosocomialis, has been increasingly recognized during the last few years.

Microbial Evolution and Co-Adaptation

Microbial Evolution and Co-Adaptation PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309131219
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 330

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Book Description
Dr. Joshua Lederberg - scientist, Nobel laureate, visionary thinker, and friend of the Forum on Microbial Threats - died on February 2, 2008. It was in his honor that the Institute of Medicine's Forum on Microbial Threats convened a public workshop on May 20-21, 2008, to examine Dr. Lederberg's scientific and policy contributions to the marketplace of ideas in the life sciences, medicine, and public policy. The resulting workshop summary, Microbial Evolution and Co-Adaptation, demonstrates the extent to which conceptual and technological developments have, within a few short years, advanced our collective understanding of the microbiome, microbial genetics, microbial communities, and microbe-host-environment interactions.

Microbial Ecology in States of Health and Disease

Microbial Ecology in States of Health and Disease PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309290651
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 548

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Book Description
Individually and collectively, resident microbes play important roles in host health and survival. Shaping and shaped by their host environments, these microorganisms form intricate communities that are in a state of dynamic equilibrium. This ecologic and dynamic view of host-microbe interactions is rapidly redefining our view of health and disease. It is now accepted that the vast majority of microbes are, for the most part, not intrinsically harmful, but rather become established as persistent, co-adapted colonists in equilibrium with their environment, providing useful goods and services to their hosts while deriving benefits from these host associations. Disruption of such alliances may have consequences for host health, and investigations in a wide variety of organisms have begun to illuminate the complex and dynamic network of interaction - across the spectrum of hosts, microbes, and environmental niches - that influence the formation, function, and stability of host-associated microbial communities. Microbial Ecology in States of Health and Disease is the summary of a workshop convened by the Institute of Medicine's Forum on Microbial Threats in March 2013 to explore the scientific and therapeutic implications of microbial ecology in states of health and disease. Participants explored host-microbe interactions in humans, animals, and plants; emerging insights into how microbes may influence the development and maintenance of states of health and disease; the effects of environmental change(s) on the formation, function, and stability of microbial communities; and research challenges and opportunities for this emerging field of inquiry.

Acinetobacter Molecular Microbiology

Acinetobacter Molecular Microbiology PDF Author: Ulrike Gerischer
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781913652180
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 359

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Book Description
This concise volume reviews the most current and topical aspects of Acinetobacter genetics and molecular biology and is aimed at a readership of research scientists, graduate students and other specialists. Expert international authors have contributed chapters on diverse topics including taxonomy, lipopolysaccharides, catabolism of aromatic compounds, transformation systems, transcriptional regulation, applications in biotechnology, the molecular basis for virulence and pathogenicity, molecular epidemiology, and antibiotic resistance. This book is highly recommended for anyone involved in Aci.

Chemistry and Biochemistry of B12

Chemistry and Biochemistry of B12 PDF Author: Ruma Banerjee
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 9780471253907
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 960

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Book Description
A Definitive New Reference for the Latest Advances in B_12 Chemistry and Biochemistry Over the past decade, the field of B_12 research has been revolutionized by such major breakthroughs as the unraveling of the entire biosynthetic pathway for this important vitamin. This comprehensive compendium surveys the wealth of information that has accumulated, covering in one volume virtually all aspects of the field-from physical and inorganic chemistry to enzymology, microbiology, medicine, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Edited by Dr. Ruma Banerjee, a highly respected and active member of the B_12 community, this work provides B_12 researchers with a dependable and up-to-date reference on the subject. Leading authorities from five continents explore such new areas as the structural biology of B_12-dependent enzymes, free-radical-mediated reaction mechanisms, biosynthesis, and much more. The role of B_12 in nutrition and disease, and B_12 transport, are also thoroughly examined. Complete with color illustrations and extensive references, Chemistry and Biochemistry of B_12 is a one-of-a-kind resource for biochemists, biophysicists, spectroscopists, microbiologists, molecular biologists, and anyone with an interest in "nature's most beautiful cofactor."

The Social Biology of Microbial Communities

The Social Biology of Microbial Communities PDF Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309264324
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 633

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Book Description
Beginning with the germ theory of disease in the 19th century and extending through most of the 20th century, microbes were believed to live their lives as solitary, unicellular, disease-causing organisms . This perception stemmed from the focus of most investigators on organisms that could be grown in the laboratory as cellular monocultures, often dispersed in liquid, and under ambient conditions of temperature, lighting, and humidity. Most such inquiries were designed to identify microbial pathogens by satisfying Koch's postulates.3 This pathogen-centric approach to the study of microorganisms produced a metaphorical "war" against these microbial invaders waged with antibiotic therapies, while simultaneously obscuring the dynamic relationships that exist among and between host organisms and their associated microorganisms-only a tiny fraction of which act as pathogens. Despite their obvious importance, very little is actually known about the processes and factors that influence the assembly, function, and stability of microbial communities. Gaining this knowledge will require a seismic shift away from the study of individual microbes in isolation to inquiries into the nature of diverse and often complex microbial communities, the forces that shape them, and their relationships with other communities and organisms, including their multicellular hosts. On March 6 and 7, 2012, the Institute of Medicine's (IOM's) Forum on Microbial Threats hosted a public workshop to explore the emerging science of the "social biology" of microbial communities. Workshop presentations and discussions embraced a wide spectrum of topics, experimental systems, and theoretical perspectives representative of the current, multifaceted exploration of the microbial frontier. Participants discussed ecological, evolutionary, and genetic factors contributing to the assembly, function, and stability of microbial communities; how microbial communities adapt and respond to environmental stimuli; theoretical and experimental approaches to advance this nascent field; and potential applications of knowledge gained from the study of microbial communities for the improvement of human, animal, plant, and ecosystem health and toward a deeper understanding of microbial diversity and evolution. The Social Biology of Microbial Communities: Workshop Summary further explains the happenings of the workshop.

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309070864
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 348

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Book Description
Scientific Frontiers in Developmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment reviews advances made during the last 10-15 years in fields such as developmental biology, molecular biology, and genetics. It describes a novel approach for how these advances might be used in combination with existing methodologies to further the understanding of mechanisms of developmental toxicity, to improve the assessment of chemicals for their ability to cause developmental toxicity, and to improve risk assessment for developmental defects. For example, based on the recent advances, even the smallest, simplest laboratory animals such as the fruit fly, roundworm, and zebrafish might be able to serve as developmental toxicological models for human biological systems. Use of such organisms might allow for rapid and inexpensive testing of large numbers of chemicals for their potential to cause developmental toxicity; presently, there are little or no developmental toxicity data available for the majority of natural and manufactured chemicals in use. This new approach to developmental toxicology and risk assessment will require simultaneous research on several fronts by experts from multiple scientific disciplines, including developmental toxicologists, developmental biologists, geneticists, epidemiologists, and biostatisticians.

Botrytis – the Fungus, the Pathogen and its Management in Agricultural Systems

Botrytis – the Fungus, the Pathogen and its Management in Agricultural Systems PDF Author: Sabine Fillinger
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319233718
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 486

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Book Description
The fungal genus Botrytis is the focus of intensive scientific research worldwide. The complex interactions between this pathogen and the plants it infects and the economic importance of the diseases caused by Botrytis (principally grey mould) on more than 1400 species of cultivated plants pre- and post-harvest, render this pathogen of particular interest to farmers, advisers, students and researchers in many fields worldwide. This 20-chapter book is a comprehensive treatise covering the rapidly developing science of Botrytis and reflecting the major developments in studies of this fungus. It will serve as a source of general information for specialists in agriculture and horticulture, and also for students and scientists interested in the biology of this fascinating, multifaceted phytopathogenic fungal species.

Principles of Plant-Microbe Interactions

Principles of Plant-Microbe Interactions PDF Author: Ben Lugtenberg
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319085751
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 447

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Book Description
The use of microbial plant protection products is growing and their importance will strongly increase due to political and public pressure. World population is growing and the amount of food needed by 2050 will be double of what is produced now whereas the area of agricultural land is decreasing. We must increase crop yield in a sustainable way. Chemical plant growth promoters must be replaced by microbiological products. Also here, the use of microbial products is growing and their importance will strongly increase. A growing area of agricultural land is salinated. Global warming will increase this process. Plants growth is inhibited by salt or even made impossible and farmers tend to disuse the most salinated lands. Microbes have been very successfully used to alleviate salt stress of plants. Chemical pollution of land can make plant growth difficult and crops grown are often polluted and not suitable for consumption. Microbes have been used to degrade these chemical pollutants.

Bacteriophage T4

Bacteriophage T4 PDF Author: Christopher K. Mathews
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 432

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Book Description