Pathogenic Treponema: Molecular and Cellular Biology

In the past, Treponema research was severely handicapped because the organisms were notoriously difficult to work with and were unculturable in the laboratory. Powerful molecular and genetic tools developed in recent years have been successfully used to dramatically expand our understanding of treponemal diversity, genomics, and cellular and molecular biology. Major breakthroughs include sequencing of Treponema genomes and the development of modern molecular methods. In recent years, there has been an explosion of new information that is summarised in the current volume. Expert international authors critically review every aspect of the molecular and cellular biology of these fascinating organisms. The focus of the book is on recent advances and new developments in Treponema research, in particular those resulting from modern molecular and genetic methodologies. The topics covered include the phylogenic diversity, comparative genomics, metabolism and cultivation, motility, antigenic variation, immunology of syphilis, the use cultivatable treponemes as surrogates for T. pallidum, oral treponemes, and much much more. It is essential reading for all scientists and researchers working on trepenomes and other spirochetes and a recommended reference book for all microbiology laboratories.