Bacterial genomics

Genomics and bacterial pathogenesis.

Whole-genome sequencing is transforming the study of pathogenic bacteria. Searches for single virulence genes can now be performed on a genomewide scale by a variety of computer and genetic techniques. These techniques are discussed to provide a perspective on the developing field of genomics.

Genomics and bacterial metabolism.

The field of bacterial metabolism and physiology is arguably the oldest in microbiology. Much of our understanding of biological processes and molecular paradigms has its roots In early studies of prokaryotic physiology. After a period of declining interest in metabolic studies (prompted by the insurgence of molecular techniques), genomic technologies are revitalizing the study of bacterial met...

Purple Bacterial Genomics

Bacterial pathogen genomics and vaccines.

Infectious diseases remain a major cause of deaths and disabilities in the world, the majority of which are caused by bacteria. Although immunisation is the most cost effective and efficient means to control microbial diseases, vaccines are not yet available to prevent many major bacterial infections. Examples include dysentery (shigellosis), gonorrhoea, trachoma, gastric ulcers and cancer (Hel...

Bacterial Genomics and Pathogen Evolution

The availability of hundreds of bacterial genome sequences has altered the study of bacterial pathogenesis, affecting both design of experiments and analysis of results. Comparative genomics and genomic tools have been used to identify virulence factors and genes involved in environmental persistence of pathogens. However, a major stumbling block in the genomics revolution has been the large nu...