Frosch Matthias, Maiden Martin C.J. (eds.) Handbook of Meningococcal Disease: Infection Biology, Vaccination, Clinical Management

Wiley-VCH, 2006. — 571 p.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 Aspects.
Epidemiology of Meningococcal Disease.
Population Structure of the Meningococcus and Epidemiology of Meningococcal Carriage and Disease.
Methods for Typing of Meningococci.
Antibiotic Resistance.
Genetics and Genomics of the Meningococcus.
Neisseria Meningitidis Genome Sequencing Projects.
Phase Variation and Adaption.
Transformation and DNA Repair.
Genetics, Structure and Function of Capsule.
Genetics, Structure and Function of Lipopolysaccharide.
Genetics, Structure and Function of Major Outer Membrane Proteins.
Iron Metabolism in Neisseria Meningitidis.
Genetics, Structure and Function of Pili.
Infection Biology.
Mechanisms of Attachment and Invasion.
Role of Complement in Defense Against Meningococcal Infection.
Immune Responses in Meningococcal Disease.
Genetics of Host Response to Meningococcal Infection.
Development of Vaccines.
Surrogates of Protection.
Conjugate Vaccines.
Outer Membrane Vesicle Based Meningococcal Vaccines.
Genome Mining and Reverse Vaccinology.
Vaccination for the Control of Meningococcal Disease: The Use of Meningococcal Vaccines from the Public Health Perspective.
Clinical and Public Health Menagement.
Pathogenesis and Pathophysiology of Invasive Meningococcal Disease.
Clinical Course of Disease, Treatment and Clinical Management.
Public Health Management.