From the Publisher:     

     Colonization of Mucosal Surfaces is a state-of-the-art presentation of the opposing evolutionary forces that ultimately determine the health of host organisms and survival of pathogenic microorganisms.  As mammalian defenses evolve to protect against infection, pathogens are simultaneously evolving to circumvent new barriers and gain access to valuable host nutrients and energy.  Written by experts in the field, this new volume is an in-depth examination of the complex ecosystems of the mammalian mucosa and the successful adaptations of microorganisms that enable them to effectively colonize these surfaces.

     First addressing general consideration, Colonization of Mucosal Surfaces then comprehensively covers colonization of the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the genitourinary tract and considers the various organisms present at these surfaces.  Aspects of bacterial colonization revealed by the most recent research are also contemplated, including penetration of the mucous layer, innate immune effectors and their subversion, signaling of the host cells by adherence factors, modulation of adherence, phase variation of colonization factors, and regulation of colonization effectors.

Key Features

• Presents a multi-disciplinary approach to colonization and considers microbiology, protein chemistry, cell biology, genetics, evolution, and biology of the host
• Addresses colonization of major mucosal systems
• Suggests principles that serve as hypotheses for investigators working on less-characterized organisms or models
• Contributes highly scientific research from recognized leaders in the field
• Emphasizes colonization events beyond adherence

Table of Contents:

I.  General Considerations

Chapter 1.    Structure and Function of Mucosal Surfaces

Chapter 2.     Defensins and Other Antimicrobial Peptides:  Innate Defense of Mucosal Surfaces

Chapter 3.     Mechanisms of Adaptive Immunity That Prevent Colonization at Mucosal Surfaces

Chapter 4.     In Situ Monitoring of Bacterial Presence and Activity

II:  Colonization of the Respiratory Tract

Chapter 5.     Role of Phosphorylcholine in Respiratory Tract Colonization

Chapter 6.     Sialylation of the Gram-Negative Bacterial Cell Surface

Chapter 7.     Competitive and Cooperative Interactions in the Respiratory Microflora

Chapter 8.     Bacterial Adherence and Tropism in the Human Respiratory Tract

Chapter 9.     Immunoglobulin A1 Proteases of Pathogenic and Commensal Bacteria of the Respiratory Tract

Chapter 10.   Genetic Exchange in the Respiratory Tract

Chapter 11.   Regulation in Response to Environmental Conditions

III:  Colonization of the Gastrointestinal Tract

Chapter 12.   Microbiota of Mucosal Surfaces in the Gut of Monogastric Animals

Chapter 13.   Interactions of Commensal Flora with the Human Gastrointestinal Tract

Chapter 14.   Quorum Sensing in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Chapter 15.   Role of the Mucus Layer in Bacterial Colonization of the Intestine

Chapter 16.   Role of Flagella in Mucosal Colonization

Chapter 17.   Tissue Tropism in Intestinal Colonization

Chapter 18.   Aggregration and Dispersal on Mucosal Surfaces

Chapter 19.   Signal Transduction in the Intestinal Mucosa

Chapter 20.   Pathogen Gene Expression During Intestinal Infection

Chapter 21.   Mechanisms of Salmonella enterica Serotype Typhimurium Intestinal Colonization

Chapter 22.   Colonization and Invasion of Humans by Entamoeba histolytica

IV:  Colonization of the Genitourinary Tract

Chapter 23.   Role of Phase and Antigenic Variation in Neisseria gonorrhoeae Colonization

Chapter 24.   Allelic Variation of the FimH Lectin of Escherichia coli Type I Fimbriae and Uropathogenesis

Chapter 25.   Fimbriae, Signalling, and Host Response to Urinary Tract Infection

Chapter 26.   Urease, Urolithiasis, and Colonization of the Urinary Tract

Chapter 27.   Polymicrobial Bacteriuria:  Biofilm Formation on Foreign Bodies and Colonization of the Urinary Tract

Chapter 28.   Colonization of the Vaginal and Urethral Mucosa

INDEX