Microbial Threats to Health

Microbial Threats to Health
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 397
Release: 2003-08-25
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309185548

Infectious diseases are a global hazard that puts every nation and every person at risk. The recent SARS outbreak is a prime example. Knowing neither geographic nor political borders, often arriving silently and lethally, microbial pathogens constitute a grave threat to the health of humans. Indeed, a majority of countries recently identified the spread of infectious disease as the greatest global problem they confront. Throughout history, humans have struggled to control both the causes and consequences of infectious diseases and we will continue to do so into the foreseeable future. Following up on a high-profile 1992 report from the Institute of Medicine, Microbial Threats to Health examines the current state of knowledge and policy pertaining to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases from around the globe. It examines the spectrum of microbial threats, factors in disease emergence, and the ultimate capacity of the United States to meet the challenges posed by microbial threats to human health. From the impact of war or technology on disease emergence to the development of enhanced disease surveillance and vaccine strategies, Microbial Threats to Health contains valuable information for researchers, students, health care providers, policymakers, public health officials. and the interested public.

Principles of Bacterial Detection: Biosensors, Recognition Receptors and Microsystems

Principles of Bacterial Detection: Biosensors, Recognition Receptors and Microsystems
Author: Mohammed Zourob
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 980
Release: 2008-09-03
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 0387751130

Principles of Bacterial Detection: Biosensors, Recognition Receptors and Microsystems will cover the up-to-date biosensor technologies used for the detection of bacteria. Written by the world's most renowned and learned scientists each in their own area of expertise, Principles of Bacterial Detection: Biosensors, Recognition Receptors and Microsystems is the first title to cover this expanding research field.

Indicators for Waterborne Pathogens

Indicators for Waterborne Pathogens
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 329
Release: 2004-06-19
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 0309091225

Recent and forecasted advances in microbiology, molecular biology, and analytical chemistry have made it timely to reassess the current paradigm of relying predominantly or exclusively on traditional bacterial indicators for all types of waterborne pathogens. Nonetheless, indicator approaches will still be required for the foreseeable future because it is not practical or feasible to monitor for the complete spectrum of microorganisms that may occur in water, and many known pathogens are difficult to detect directly and reliably in water samples. This comprehensive report recommends the development and use of a "tool box" approach by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency and others for assessing microbial water quality in which available indicator organisms (and/or pathogens in some cases) and detection method(s) are matched to the requirements of a particular application. The report further recommends the use of a phased, three-level monitoring framework to support the selection of indicators and indicator approaches.Â

PCR Detection of Microbial Pathogens

PCR Detection of Microbial Pathogens
Author: Konrad Sachse
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 667
Release: 2003
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 1588290492

Hands-on laboratory experts present a set of "classic" PCR-based methods for the identification and detection of important animal and food microbial pathogens, including several zoonotic agents. These proven techniques can be precisely applied to a wide variety of microbes, among them Campylobacter spp., chlamydiae, toxigenic clostridia, Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, mycoplasmas, salmonellae, and Yersinia enterocolitica. Additional chapters review the specificity and performance of diagnostic PCR analysis, the pre-PCR processing of samples, the critical aspects of standardizing PCR methods, and the general issues involved in using PCR technology for microbial diagnosis.

Immunosensors

Immunosensors
Author: Minhaz Uddin Ahmed
Publisher: Royal Society of Chemistry
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2019-08-28
Genre: Science
ISBN: 1788014375

Immunosensors are widely used and are particularly important for fast diagnosis of diseases in remote environments as well as point-of-care devices. In this book, expert scientists are covering a selection of high quality representative examples from the past five years explaining how this area has developed. It is a compilation of recent advances in several areas of immunosensors for multiple target analysis using laboratory based or point-of-care set-up, for example graphene-, ISFET- and nanostructure-based immunosensors, electrochemical magneto immunosensors and nanoimprinted immunosensors. Filling a gap in the literature, it showcases the multidisciplinary, innovative developments in this highly important area and provides pointers towards commercialisation. Delivering a single, comprehensive work, it appeals to graduate students and professional researchers across academia and industry.

Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology

Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology
Author: Nuzhat Ahmed
Publisher: Horizon Press
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2014-04-14
Genre: Science
ISBN: 9781898486527

The contamination of the environment by herbicides, pesticides, solvents, various industrial byproducts (including toxic metals, radionucleotides and metalloids) is of enormous economic and environmental significance. Biotechnology can be used to develop "green" or environmentally friendly solutions to these problems by harnessing the ability of bacteria to adapt metabolic pathways, or recruit new genes to metabolise harmful compounds into harmless byproducts. In addition to its role in cleaning-up the environment, biotechnology can be used for the production of novel compounds with both agricultural and industrial applications. Internationally acclaimed authors from diverse fields present comprehensive reviews of all aspects of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology. Chapters concerned with environmental biotechnology cover two major categories of pollutants: organic compounds and metals. Organic pollutants include cyclic aromatic compounds, with/without nitrogenous or chloride substitutions while metal pollutants include copper, chromate, silver, arsenic and mercury. The genetic basis of bioremediation and the microbial processes involved are examined, and the current and/or potential applications of bioremediation are discussed. The use of biotechnology for industrial and agricultural applications includes a chapter on the use of enzymes as biocatalysts to synthesize novel opiate derivatives of medical value. The conversion of low-value molasses to higher value products by biotechnological methods and the use tissue culture methods to improve sugar cane and potatoes crop production is discussed.

Detecting Pathogens in Food

Detecting Pathogens in Food
Author: Thomas A. McMeekin
Publisher: Elsevier
Total Pages: 391
Release: 2003-06-23
Genre: Technology & Engineering
ISBN: 1855737043

Identifying pathogens in food quickly and accurately is one of the most important requirements in food processing. The ideal detection method needs to combine such qualities as sensitivity, specificity, speed and suitability for on-line applications. Detecting pathogens in food brings together a distinguished international team of contributors to review the latest techniques in microbiological analysis and how they can best be used to ensure food safety.Part one looks at general issues, beginning with a review of the role of microbiological analysis in food safety management. There are also chapters on the critical issues of what to sample and how samples should be prepared to make analysis effective, as well as how to validate individual detection techniques and assure the quality of analytical laboratories. Part two discusses the range of detection techniques now available, beginning with traditional culture methods. There are chapters on electrical methods, ATP bioluminescence, microscopy techniques and the wide range of immunological methods such as ELISAs. Two chapters look at the exciting developments in genetic techniques, the use of biosensors and applied systematics.Detecting pathogens in food is a standard reference for all those concerned in ensuring the safety of food. - Reviews the latest techniques in microbiological analysis and how they can best be used to ensure food safety - Examines the role of microbiological analysis in food safety management and discusses the range of detection techniques available - Includes chapters on electrical methods, ATP bioluminescence, microscopy techniques and immunological methods such as ELISAs

Microbial Plant Pathogens-Detection and Disease Diagnosis:

Microbial Plant Pathogens-Detection and Disease Diagnosis:
Author: P. Narayanasamy
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 313
Release: 2010-10-20
Genre: Science
ISBN: 904819735X

Morphological, biological, biochemical and physiological characteristics have been used for the detection, identification and differentiation of fungal pathogens up to species level. Tests based on biological characteristics are less consistent. Immunoassays have been shown to be effective in detecting fungal pathogens present in plants and environmental samples. Development of monoclonal antibody technology has greatly enhanced the sensitivity and specificity of detection, identification and differentiation of fungal species and varieties/strains. Nucleic acid-based techniques involving hybridization with or amplification of unique DNA have provided results rapidly and reliably. Presentation of a large number of protocols is a unique feature of this volume.