Pathogenic Treponema: Molecular and Cellular Biology

From The Critics

Reviewer: Rebecca T. Horvat, PhD, D(ABMM)(University of Kansas Medical Center)
Description: This book documents the recent research and information on the pathogenic Treponema microorganisms. This is a comprehensive look at current research investigations into the biology of Treponema.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide the scientific community with a book that delineates an up-to-date examination of Treponemal research. It is also anticipated by the authors that this book will entice young scientists to enter this field of investigation. These are very commendable goals and I believe that the authors will accomplish them with this book.
Audience: It is primarily targeted at scientists working in this field and students interested in studying microorganisms. The authors who contributed to this book are all accomplished researchers. They hope that by sharing this information with other scientists and students, they will spark an interest in the study of spirochetes.
Features: The book details both the diagnostic and biologic research on treponemes that is currently being done. The first chapters show the extensive genetic diversity in treponemes and discuss the difficulty of examining a microorganism that cannot be cultured in vitro. However, even with that major pitfall, scientists have been able to gain in-depth information about the metabolism, structure, signaling systems, and pathogenesis of the treponemal organisms. Largely this has been due to the new in vitro techniques of genetic analysis and protein modeling. A most interesting chapter is the discussion of the historical evidence of syphilis. This chapter discusses how this disease influenced Europe during the fifteenth century. It continues to plague our society and thus the historical perspective is enlightening.
Assessment: This is a very comprehensive work by multiple authors on the current state of the research being conducted on the treponemal pathogens. There are few books that specifically cover this area of microbiology. However, because of its significant price, you must be very motivated to purchase this book.