1st Edition

Burkholderia Molecular Microbiology and Genomics

Edited By Tom Coenye, Peter Vandamme Copyright 2006
    314 Pages 28 B/W Illustrations
    by Taylor & Francis

    Members of the genus Burkholderia are a fascinating group of bacteria exhibiting immense ecological and metabolic diversity. Their notoriety as pathogens, including that of potential biological weapons, is ironically matched by their value as biopesticides and bioremediators. For example, B. cepacia complex organisms can reduce an onion bulb to a macerated pulp, protect other crops from bacterial and fungal disease, "clean up" aquifers and soils contaminated by recalcitrant herbicides, colonise the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis and, if this diversity is not striking enough, are not only innately resistant to most major groups of antibiotics, but can use that most famous of antimicrobials, penicillin G, as a nutrient! This amazing versatility has attracted huge scientific interest in recent years and given that nine completed and seventeen draft Burkholderia genome sequences now available, the point has been reached where there is an urgent need to summarise and review the molecular biology, genomics, biochemistry, pathogenesis and beneficial properties of these important organisms.

    This book brings together the expertise and enthusiasm of an international panel of leading Burkholderia researchers to provide a state-of-the art overview of these important organisms. Topics covered include epidemiology, comparative genomics, antibiotic resistance, polysaccharides, beneficial interaction with plants, and much more. Each chapter is independent and can be read in isolation, but as a whole the book provides an important resource summarizing our current knowledge of Burkholderia molecular biology and genomics.

    1. Diversity and Role of Burkholderia spp. 2. Epidemiology, Typing and Population Genetics of Burkholderia Species 3. Comparative Genomics of Burkholderia Species 4. Antibiotic Resistance of Burkholderia spp. 5. Polysaccharides of Burkholderia spp. 6. Interaction of Burkholderia Species With the Phagocytic System 7. Beneficial Interactions of Burkholderia spp with Plants 8. The Phytopathogenic Burkholderia 9. Biodegradation of Organic Anthropogenic Pollutants by Burkholderia Species 10. Molecular Mechanisms of Virulence of Burkholderia pseudomallei and Burkholderia mallei 11. Model Systems of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Infection 12. Social Behavior of Members of the Genus Burkholderia: Quorum Sensing and Biofilms 13. Intracellular Survival of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Isolates

    Biography

    Tom Coenye

    Most of the major laboratories contributing to these advances in the study of Burkholderia are represented in this book, which is a thorough and authoritative summary of our current knowledge. The chapters are well written, easy to follow and flow in a logical order.

    The book is essential reading for those moving into Burkholderia research and provides extremely useful reference material for those already there. In addition, many of the chapters will appeal to students and researchers with broader interests such as the social behaviour of micro-organisms and the use of infection models. Society for General Microbiology, August 2007