Springer Corynebacterium diphtheriae and Related Toxigenic Species: Genomics, Pathogenicity and Applications

This book summarizes the latest advances in understanding C. diphtheriae and closely related species, discussing genomics of toxigenic corynebacteria, host-pathogen-interaction, detection, surveillance and treatment along with application aspects and more. Review From the book reviews: “It extensively examines the genomics, pathogenicity, diagnosis, and treatment of these bacteria as well as vaccine development. … an excellent resource for graduate, postdoctoral fellows, and basic scientists in microbiology, molecular genetics, or public health. It also would be a useful introductory tool for infectious disease fellows who are interested in pursuing public health and/or basic science research as part of a physician/scientist training pathway.” (Shirley F. Delair, Doody’s Book Reviews, August, 2014) From the Back Cover Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the classical etiological agent of diphtheria and the type strain of the genus Corynebacterium. While diphtheria of the respiratory tract became rare with the introduction of vaccination programs in industrialized countries, even today several thousand cases per year are reported to the World Health Organization. This shows that diphtheria is not completely eradicated and that reservoirs exist. The book summarizes the latest advances made in understanding C. diphtheriae and the closely related species Corynebacterium ulcerans and Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis. Topics addressed are genomics of toxigenic corynebacteria, host-pathogen-interaction, detection, surveillance and treatment as well as application aspects.