Neisseria: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

This important book provides research scientists, advanced students, clinicians, and other professionals with a comprehensive update on the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis in Neisseria. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Nesseria meningitidis are Gram-negative diplococci. N. gonorrhoeae is the causative agent of gonorrhoeae and is transmitted via sexual contact. N. meningitidis is transmitted via respiratory droplets leading to colonization of the nasopharynx and can cause meningitis and septicemia. The book describes the latest, up-to-date research, theory, and clinical significance of molecular mechanisms in meningococcal disease. Leading authorities have contributed chapters on topics such as gene expression, genomics, biofilms, denitrification, adhesion strategies, and mechanisms of cellular invasion. A section on the host response to neisserial infection covers inate immunity, complement, apoptosis, and acquired immunity, while a section devoted to clinical correlation deals with vaccine development, epidemiology, and antibiotic resistance. The book is highly recommended for microbiologists, epidemiologists, and clinicians involved with Neisseria research or meningococcal disease, and it is a recommended text for all microbiology libraries.