Publisher's Synopsis
This text provides the student with an understanding of the basic genetic processes of bacterial infection in humans and other animals. Beginning with an analysis of bacterial survival the author goes on to relate this to the molecular biology of virulence as exhibited in a wide variety of clinically important bacteria. How bacteria get into cells, and once inside they chemically disrupt them is examined from a molecular genetic perspective. Chapters on the location and organisation of bacterial genes allow the reader an insight into virulence right down to the level of DNA topology and supercoiling. Included in this lucid and up to date analysis are discussions on the potential for effective intervention and new strategies in antimicrobial