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The first bacterial genome, Haemophilus influenzae, was completely sequenced,
annotated, and published in 1995. Today, more than 200 prokaryotic (archaeal and
bacterial) genomes have been completed and over 500 prokaryotic genomes are in various
stages of completion. Seventeen eukaryotic genomes plus four eukaryotic chromosomes
have been completed. The concept of achieving better understanding of an
organism through knowledge of the complete genomic sequence was first demonstrated
in 1978 when the first bacteriophage genome, ΦX174, was sequenced. Complete
genomic sequences of prokaryotes have led to a better understanding of the biology
and evolution of the microbes, and, for pathogens, facilitated identification of new
vaccine candidates, putative virulence genes, targets for antibiotics, new strategy for
rapid diagnosis, and investigation of bacteria–host interactions and disease mechanisms.
Recent increased interest in microbial pathogens and infectious diseases is largely
attributed to the re-emergence of infectious diseases like tuberculosis, emergence of
new infectious diseases like AIDS and severe acute respiratory syndrome, the problem
of an increasing rate of emergence of antibiotic-resistant variants of pathogens, and the
fear of bioterrorism. Microbes are highly diverse and abundant in the biosphere. Less
than 1% of these morphologically identified microbes can be cultured in vitro using
standard techniques and conditions. With such abundance of microbes in nature, we
can expect to see new variants and new species evolve and a small number will emerge
as pathogens to humans.
In the first section of Bacterial Genomes and Infectious Diseases, some major general
findings about bacterial genomes and their impact on strategy and approach for
investigating mechanisms of pathogenesis of infectious diseases are discussed. Later
chapters focus on the value and power of genomics, proteomics, glycomics, and
bioinformatics as applied to selected specific bacterial pathogens.
Bacterial Genomes and Infectious Diseases is designed to provide valuable reading
for senior microbiology, pathobiology and genetics undergraduate and graduate students,
medical students, clinician scientists, infectious diseases clinicians, and medical
microbiologists. |