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Microbes may become pathogenic and mankind develops antimicrobials and vaccines to fight with them, which may lead to an arms race as pathogens develop drug resistance and humans invent newer drugs, often ending up with uncontrollable infections. This book narrates the author's journey pursuing the origin of pathogenic bacterial species, demonstrating through experiments that bacteria form new species by acquiring novel genes from surroundings and altering the genome for better fitness. If the newly acquired genes encode pathogenic traits, the originally benign bacteria may become new pathogens. To control pathogens, antimicrobials and vaccines are useful in many cases, but, in addition, book proposes a third strategy through the concept of herd resistance via enhancing the protective functions of intestinal microbiota, which will not trigger an arms race nor interfere with immune functions. This strategy can be generalized to a broad range of bacterial or viral pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2.

This highly anticipated update of the acclaimed textbook draws on the latest research to give students the knowledge and tools to explore the mechanisms by which bacterial pathogens cause infections in humans and animals. Written in an approachable and engaging style, the book uses illustrative examples and thought-provoking exercises to inspire students with the potential excitement and fun of scientific discovery. Completely revised and updated, and for the first time in stunning full-color, Bacterial Pathogenesis: A Molecular Approach, Fourth Edition, builds on the core principles and foundations of its predecessors while expanding into new concepts, key findings, and cutting-edge research, including new developments in the areas of the microbiome and CRISPR as well as the growing challenges of antimicrobial resistance. All-new detailed illustrations help students clearly understand important concepts and mechanisms of the complex interplay between bacterial pathogens and their hosts. Study questions at the end of each chapter challenge students to delve more deeply into the topics covered, and hone their skills in reading, interpreting, and analyzing data, as well as devising their own experiments. A detailed glossary defines and expands on key terms highlighted throughout the book. Written for advanced undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in microbiology, bacteriology, and pathogenesis, this text is a must-have for anyone looking for a greater understanding of virulence mechanisms across the breadth of bacterial pathogens.