The first part of the book explores the Treponemal world and equips the reader with our up-to-date scientific understanding of the basic cell biology of the genus. Those with a special interest in syphilis will not be disappointed with the central section of the book, which focuses on the molecular pathogenesis and immunology of Treponema pallidum infection. The reader is left somewhat in awe at the simplicity of the mechanisms used by this stealth pathogen to avoid the host immune response, and by the inability of this bacterium to have caused such widespread disease among human populations over the centuries in the absence of genes encoding classical bacterial virulence-associated proteins. The final section addresses oral treponemes, close relatives of T. pallidum, which allow us a window into the Treponemal world. By outlining studies with these cultivable treponemes, the authors provide scientific insights into the hidden world of T. pallidum.
"Pathogenic Treponema: Molecular and Cellular Biology" deserves a place on the bookshelf of all those fascinated by the pathogenesis of sexually transmitted infections, both clinicians and molecular scientists alike. My only regret is the absence on an introductory illustrated clinical chapter describing the similarities and differences of the key treponemal diseases of the 21st Century (syphilis, pinta, bejel and yaws). Although not directly relevant to the main theme of the book, this would help set the scene for the basic science that follows.
Review by: Professor David A. Lewis, Head of the STI Reference Centre, National Institute of Communicable Diseases, Sandringham, South Africa
Full details of the book available at Pathogenic Treponema