Microbial Toxin Book Review

I am pleased to provide the following excerpt from a book review of Microbial Toxins: Current Research and Future Trends:

"the book serves well the molecular microbiologist ... not only well-documented but timely and inspiring" from Robert D. Johnson (St. George's University, NJ, USA) writing in Inoculum (2010) 61: 21-22 read more ...

Microbial Toxins
Edited by:
ISBN: 978-1-904455-44-8
Publisher: Caister Academic Press
Publication Date: May 2009
Cover: hardback
"timely and inspiring" (Mycological Society)

Bacterial Spores

Endospore-forming bacteria produce some of the most potent toxins known and are important pathogens in hospital-borne infections (Clostridium difficile) food contamination (Bacillus cereus, Clostridium botulinum), wound infestation (Clostridium perfringens, Clostridium tetani) and bioterrorism (Bacillus anthracis).

Bacilli and Clostridia spores form in response to unfavorable environmental conditions and can withstand extremes of heat, radiation, and chemical agents. The spore's durability is even more remarkable considering that dormant spores revert back to actively growing cells almost immediately after nutrients return to the environment. The intrinsic resistance and the ability to remain dormant for long periods make spores the perfect delivery vehicle for infectious diseases.

Further reading: The Ger Receptor Family from Sporulating Bacteria