Colonization of Mucosal Surfaces

This volume presents an in-depth examination of the complex ecosystems of the mammalian mucosa and the adaptations of microorganisms that enable them to colonize these surfaces. It contains 28 chapters divided into three main sections covering the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary tracts. A sampling of topics includes competitive and cooperative interactions in the respiratory microflora; the role of the mucus layer in the bacterial colonization of the intestine; and host response to urinary tract infection. Editor Nataro is affiliated with the U. of Maryland School of Medicine. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Doody Review Services

Reviewer:Rebecca T. Horvat, PhD, D(ABMM)(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description:This book reviews the current information on how infectious agents interact with the mucosal surface of its host. It is divided into separate sections dealing with the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and the urogenital tract.
Purpose:The purpose is to provide an overview of the mammalian mucosa. It reviews mechanisms used to protect the host as well as the mechanisms used by pathogens to overcome this protection. This makes the book unique in that it specifically focuses on host-pathogen interactions with the mucosal surface.
Audience:This is a book that will assist individuals conducting research in the area of mucosal immunity, host defenses at the mucosal surface and those studying microbial pathogenesis. In my opinion, this could be used in part to teach a graduate level microbial pathogenesis course.
Features:The book is divided into four sections. First the book addresses general issues that are common among the different mucosal surfaces. The other three sections deal specifically with the respiratory mucosa, gastrointestinal mucosa, and urogenital mucosa. I liked the organization since the general issues section correlated and led into the specific systems. Unfortunately, there was very little discussion regarding viral pathogens and atypical bacterial pathogens such as mycobacteria, chlamydia and mycoplasma. There is much research regarding the interaction of these pathogens with the mucosal surface and it would have enhanced the book. Additionally, a short section at the end of the book that brings this all back together and a review of where there is a gap in understanding certain problems would be helpful. This could include a summary of pertinent research in this area that is still needed.
Assessment:Overall, I will refer to this book with both medical students, residents, and graduate students. It describes the interaction of the mucosal surface and pathogens very clearly.