Springer Bacterial Adhesins: 151 (Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology, 151)

This volume is devoted to the characteristics and function of bacterial adhesins (recognition proteins) which mediate bacterial attachment to host tissue at an initial stage in infection. Ten articles written by experts in the field look into the genetics, biochemistry, surface organization and receptor specificity of adhesins. Medical aspects such as receptor distribution in tissue and its relevance to susceptibility to infection, the role of adhesins in infection and inflammation and the elaboration of adhesin based vaccines are included. Since E. coli is one of the best studied microorganisms, the main focus is on E. coli adhesins, references being made to other related systems. In addition to presenting current data, general principles behind the facts are emphasized. This book not only addresses experts in microbiology, microbial biochemistry and infection research, but also those generally interested in the subject.