Bacteriology of Humans: An Ecological Perspective

by Michael Wilson (University College London and Eastman Dental Institute, University College, London, UK)

• ISBN13: 9781444300383
• ISBN10: 1444300385
• Format: eBook
• Copyright: 2009-01-01
• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Summary

1st Prize, 'New Authored Books' category, Royal Society of Medicine and Society of Authors Medical Book Awards 2008"Wilson provides the reader with an up-to-date, comprehensive census of the indigenous microorganisms that inhabit the human body and in so doing contributes significantly to this rapidly advancing area of study. The narrative is clearly written; the index is excellent; there are numerous bibliographic citations. Each chapter is rich with tables, diagrams, color micrographs, and charts ... Highly recommended." -Choice Reviews"This comprehensive, yet accessible text... is an excellent and informative reference book... it should be on the shelf of every major science and medical library. The content, organization, and presentation make this book a unique resource." -Doody's Book ReviewsUntil recently, the indigenous microbiota of humans has been a relatively neglected area of microbiology with most attention being focused on those microbes that cause disease in humans, rather than on those that co-exist with us in the disease-free state. However, in the past decade research has shown that not only is the indigenous microbiota involved in protecting humans from exogenous pathogens but it is also involved in our development and nutrition. Consequently, interest has grown substantially among health professionals and scientists in analyzing and understanding these microbial (largely bacterial) communities.This comprehensive, yet accessible text provides an up-to-date guide to the development, composition and distribution of indigenous microbial communities of humans. With the aid of abundant colour figures, diagrams, tables and maps, it establishes links between the physicochemical factors prevailing at an anatomical site and the types of microbes to be found there. The book includes an introduction to the human-microbe symbiosis as well as an in-depth look at the main systems and organs of the human body that have an indigenous microbiota. Each chapter includes a list of references for further study.This is an excellent and informative reference book that is useful to anyone with an interest in microbiology, medical microbiology, microbial ecology, infectious diseases, immunology, human biology, medicine, dentistry, nursing, health sciences, biomedical sciences or pharmacy - it should be on the shelf of every major science and medical library.Hallmark Features: Provides a comprehensive, yet accessible, reference book on the human microbiota Lavishly illustrated with colour figures, diagrams, tables and maps Each chapter provides a list of references to promote further study Each chapter contains links to key websites Offers an ecological approach that explains why certain organisms are associated with a particular anatomical site

Table of Contents

Preface

Abbreviations of genera

The human-microbe symbiosis

Overview of the nature and distribution of the microbial communities inhabiting humans

Environmental determinants that affect the distribution and composition of microbial communities

Host characteristics that affect the indigenous microbiota

Techniques used to characterize the microbial communities inhabiting humans

The epithelium - site of host-microbe interactions

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the skin

Anatomy and physiology of human skin

Cutaneous antimicrobial defense systems

Environmental determinants operating at different skin regions

The indigenous microbiota of the skin

Overview of the cutaneous microbiota

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the eye

Anatomy and physiology of the eye

Antimicrobial defense systems of the eye

Environmental determinants on the conjunctival surface

The indigenous microbiota of the eye

Overview of the ocular microbiota

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the respiratory tract

Anatomy and physiology of the respiratory tract

Antimicrobial defense systems of the respiratory tract

Environmental determinants within the respiratory tract

Indigenous microbiota of the respiratory tract

Overview of the respiratory microbiota

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the urinary system of females

Anatomy and physiology of the urinary system of females

Antimicrobial defenses of the female urinary system

Environmental determinants within the female urethra

The indigenous microbiota of the female urethra

Overview of the microbiota of the urinary tract of females

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the reproductive system of females

Anatomy and physiology of the female reproductive system

Antimicrobial defense systems of the female reproductive system

Environmental determinants at different regions of the reproductive system

The indigenous microbiota of the female reproductive system

Overview of the microbiota of the female reproductive system

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the urinary and reproductive systems of males

Anatomy and physiology

Antimicrobial defenses of the male urinary and reproductive systems

Environmental determinants within the male urinary and reproductive systems

The indigenous microbiota of the male urinary and reproductive systems

Overview of the microbiota of the male urinary and reproductive systems

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the oral cavity

Anatomy and physiology of the oral cavity

Antimicrobial defense systems of the oral cavity

Environmental determinants at the various sites within the oral cavity

The indigenous microbiota of the oral cavity

Overview of the oral microbiota

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The indigenous microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract

Anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract

Antimicrobial defense systems of the gastrointestinal tract

Environmental determinants within different regions of the gastrointestinal tract

The indigenous microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract

Overview of the indigenous microbiota of the gastrointestinal tract

Sources of data used to compile figures

Further reading

The future

Further reading

Index

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