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.

Molecular diagnosis and gene therapy are of increasing interest and importance in clinical medicine. The increasing understanding of the pathogenesis of human diseases at the molecular level opens new perspectives for their diagnosis, prevention and therapy. The first part of this book, the proceedings of Falk Symposium No. 88 'Molecular Diagnosis and Gene Therapy', held in Basel, Switzerland, October 22-23, 1995, is aimed at an in-depth understanding of the methodology of molecular diagnosis by hybridization analysis, polymerase chain reaction and others. Further, the applications and limitations of these technologies in clinical medicine for the detection of genetic, malignant and infectious diseases are reviewed. In the second part of the book, the basic strategies of gene therapy are presented, including gene transfer and targeting. Further, experimental and clinical applications of gene therapy strategies for the prevention and treatment of hepatic and other diseases are presented. Molecular diagnosis and gene therapy are clearly going to be key elements of clinical medicine after the year 2000. In this sense, the book should allow basic scientists as well as clinicians to be informed about the state-of-the-art of molecular diagnosis and gene therapy and should provide a perspective for future developments in molecular medicine.

Intended to guide clinical microbiologists in the selection, performance, and interpretation of laboratory procedures for diagnostic and theraputic applications. A reference source detailing what is done in clinical microbiology laboratories.