The true extent of prokaryote diversity, encompassing the spectrum of variability among bacteria, remains unknown. Current research efforts focus on understanding why prokaryote diversification occurs, its underlying mechanisms, and its likely impact. The dynamic nature of the prokaryotic world, and continuing advances in the technological tools available make this an important area and hence this book will appeal to a wide variety of microbiologists. Its coverage ranges from studies of prokaryotes in specialized environmental niches to broad examinations of prokaryote evolution and diversity, and the mechanisms underlying them. Topics include: bacteria of the gastrointestinal tract, unculturable organisms in the mouth and in the soil, organisms from extreme environments, the diversity of archaea and their phages, comparative genomics and the emergence of pathogens, the spread of genomic islands between clinical and environmental organisms, minimal genomes needed for life, horizontal gene transfer, phenotypic innovation, and patterns and extent of biodiversity.

There is growing awareness that important environmental transformations are catalysed, mediated and influenced by microorganisms, and geomicrobiology can be defined as the influence of microorganisms on geologic processes. This is probably the most rapidly growing area of microbiology at present, combining environmental and molecular microbiology together with significant areas of mineralogy, geochemistry and hydrology. This volume focuses on the function of microorganisms in the environment and their influence on 'global' processes. It will include state-of-the art approaches to visualisation, culture and identification, community interactions and gene transfer, and diversity studies in relation to key processes. This overview for researchers and graduate students will represent environmental microbiology in its broadest sense and help to promote exciting collaborations between microbiologists and those in complementary physical and chemical disciplines.

Several billion people are at daily risk of life threatening vector-borne diseases such as malaria, trypanosomiasis and dengue. This volume describes the way in which the causal pathogens of such diseases interact with the vectors that transmit them. It details the elegant biological adaptations that have enabled pathogens to live with their vectors and, in some circumstances, to control them. This knowledge has led to novel preventative strategies in the form of antibiotics and new vaccines which are targeted not at the pathogen itself but at its specific vector.

Viruses continually evolve and adapt, posing new threats to health. This book discusses the ecology of viruses with particular emphasis on the emergence of devastating haemorrhagic disease, and reviews the molecular and cell biological basis of the pathogenesis of several virus diseases. An introduction is given to the mathematical analysis of recurrent epidemic virus disease, such as measles. Neurological and psychological disease is discussed in relation to the pathological mechanisms that may underlie prion disease (such as new variant CJD) and to the possible virus involvement in human psychiatric illness. Virus infections that have come to prominence recently (HIV, bunyaviruses, morbilliviruses and caliciviruses) or that remain a threat (influenza and hepatitis viruses) are discussed. There are also chapters on new and potential niches for virus infections in the immunocompromised, and the problem of the emergence of antiviral drug resistance in viruses for which therapies exist.

The study of biofilm considers the close association of micro-organisms with each other at interfaces and the consequent physiological adaptation to the proximity of other cells and surfaces. As such it is relevant to a variety of disciplines, including medicine, dentistry, bioremediation, biofouling, water technology, engineering and food science. Although the habitats studied, and their associated cellular communities, differ widely, some common elements exist such as method of attachment, coadhesion, regulation of biofilm phenotype and biofilm architecture. This book aims to distil the common principles of biofilm physiology and growth for all interested disciplines. It will appeal to the specialist biofilm researcher as well as to students wishing to introduce themselves to the topic.