Molecular Detection of Human Bacterial Pathogens PDF

Preface

Bacteria are small, unicellular organisms that are invisible to the naked eye but are nonetheless present ubiquitously and abundantly in all environments. Although a majority of bacteria are free-living and symbiotic, some are capable of leading a parasitic life, inducing a range of disease syndromes in human and animal hosts during the process. Among the most devastating bacterial pathogens, Yersinia pestis, the causative agent of bubonic plague, was responsible for three major human pandemics in history, killing 200 million people prior to the advent of antibiotics. The current, most common fatal bacterial diseases are tuberculosis (caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis), killing about 2 million people a year alone, and cholera (caused by Vibrio cholerae). Other globally important bacterial diseases include pneumonia (caused by Streptococcus and Pseudomonas), tetanus, typhoid fever, diphtheria, syphilis, and leprosy.

Traditionally, bacteria have been identified and diagnosed with the help of various phenotypic procedures, such as Gram stain, morphological, biochemical, and serological examination. Since the phenotypic techniques are often slow and lack desired specificity and reproducibility, nucleic acid amplification technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) have played an increasingly prominent role in the laboratory diagnosis of bacterial infections. Given their ability to specifically detect a single copy of bacterial nucleic acid template in a matter of hours, PCR-based assays offer unsurpassed sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, precision, and result availability for bacterial identification. The recent advances in instrumentation automation and probe chemistries have facilitated the development of real-time PCR that provides a convenient platform for high throughput detection and quantitation of bacterial pathogens in clinical specimens.

Considering that numerous original molecular protocols and subsequent modifications have been described and scattered in various journals and monographs, it has become difficult if not impossible for someone who has not been directly involved in the development of original or modified protocols to know which are most appropriate to adopt for accurate identification of bacterial pathogens of interest. The purpose of this volume is to address 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 of 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 majoring in bacteriology.

A comprehensive and inclusive book such as this is undoubtedly beyond an individual's capacity. I am fortunate and honored to have a large panel of bacteriologists as chapter contributors, whose detailed knowledge and technical insights on human bacterial pathogen detection have greatly enriched this book. In addition, the professionalism and dedication of executive editor Barbara Norwitz and senior project coordinator Jill Jurgensen at CRC Press have enhanced its presentation. Finally, without the understanding and support of my family, Liling Ma, Brenda, and Cathy, the compilation of this all-encompassing volume would have not been possible.