Handbook of Meningococcal Disease

A comprehensive overview of recent advances, from current basic research and epidemiology, to novel therapeutic strategies and clinical management. Here, the leading scientists who have made major advances in the field provide up-to-date reviews and describe their current knowledge and concepts. As such, this is the first volume to summarize the implications of the meningococcus genome-sequencing project, emphasizing the novel strategies in vaccine development. Following a look at the history, the authors go on to treat the epidemiology of meningococcal disease, as well as the genetics, structure and function of virulence factors. Further chapters cover cross-talk between meningococci and host cells, genomics and immunobiology. The result is a standard handbook for all scientists working in the field. While aimed at advanced specialists in basic research, epidemiologists, public health workers, vaccine developers and clinicians, the book is equally appropriate as introductory reading for graduates embarking on their career in this field.

A comprehensive overview of recent advances, from current basic research and epidemiology, to novel therapeutic strategies and clinical management. Here, the leading scientists who have made major advances in the field provide up-to-date reviews and describe their current knowledge and concepts.As such, this is the first volume to summarize the implications of the meningococcus genome-sequencing project, emphasizing the novel strategies in vaccine development. Following a look at the history, the authors go on to treat the epidemiology of meningococcal disease, as well as the genetics, structure and function of virulence factors. Further chapters cover cross-talk between meningococci and host cells, genomics and immunobiology.The result is a standard handbook for all scientists working in the field. While aimed at advanced specialists in basic research, epidemiologists, public health workers, vaccine developers and clinicians, the book is equally appropriate as introductory reading for graduates embarking on their career in this field.

Historical AspectsEPIDEMIOLOGY OF MENINGOCOCCAL DISEASEPopulation Structure of the Meningococcus and Epidemiology of Meningococcal Carriage and DiseaseMethods for Typing of MeningococciAntibiotic ResistanceGENETICS AND GENOMICS OF THE MENINGOCOCCUSNeisseria Meningitidis Genome Sequencing ProjectsPhase Variation and AdaptionTransformation and DNA RepairGenetics, Structure and Function of CapsuleGenetics, Structure and Function of LipopolysaccharideGenetics, Structure and Function of Major Outer Membrane ProteinsIron Metabolism in Neisseria MeningitidisGenetics, Structure and Function of PiliINFECTION BIOLOGYMechanisms of Attachment and InvasionRole of Complement in Defense Against Meningococcal InfectionImmune Responses in Meningococcal DiseaseGenetics of Host Response to Meningococcal InfectionDEVELOPMENT OF VACCINESSurrogates of ProtectionConjugate VaccinesOuter Membrane Vesicle Based Meningococcal VaccinesGenome Mining and Reverse VaccinologyVaccination for the Control of Meningococcal Disease: The Use of Meningococcal Vaccines from the Public Health PerspectiveCLINICAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENTPathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Invasive Meningococcal DiseaseClinical Course of Disease, Treatment and Clinical ManagementPublic Health Management