Bacterial Genomes and Infectious Diseases, 2006

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 va- ous stages of completion. Seventeen eukaryotic genomes plus four eukaryotic chro- somes 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, X174, 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 mec- nisms. 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.

Microbial Genomes.- Evolution and Origin of Virulence Isolates.- Genomic Approach to Understanding Infectious Disease Mechanisms.- Knockout and Disease Models in Toll-Like Receptor-Mediated Immunity.- Campylobacter.- Genomics of Helicobacter Species.- The Organization of Leptospira at a Genomic Level.- Listeria monocytogenes.- Mycobacterial Genomes.- Mycoplasma.- Genome Comparisons of Diverse Staphylococcus aureus Strains.- Type III Secretion Systems in Yersinia pestis and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.- Genomics and the Evolution of Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae.- Future Directions of Infectious Disease Research.

Fundamental information on bacterial genomes and comprehensive analysis of bacterial pathogens Summarizes the current understanding of the structure and organization of the genetic blue-print of bacteria Major findings about bacterial genomes and their impact on strategy and approach for investigating mechanisms of pathogenesis of infectious diseases Focus on value and power of genomics, proteomics, glycomics, and bioinformatics as applied to selected specific bacterial pathogens Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras