Anthrax

Anthrax is a peracute, acute or subacute disease, primarily affecting herbivores but also man and occasionally birds transmitted by ingestion of the spores, infected meat or bites of insects. Lately B. anthracis had become known as a bioterrorist or warfare agent. In this book the latest findings in history, evolution, epidemiology, structure and function of anthrax and its vaccines are dealt with.

List of Contents.- Introduction: Anthrax History, Disease and Ecology.- Bacillus anthracis Evolution and Epidemiology.- Anthrax Vaccines.- Structure and Function of Anthrax Toxin.- Bacillus anthracis Cell Envelope Components.- Macrophage Interactions.- Bacillus anthracis Genetics and Virulence Gene Regulation.

From the reviews:

"Interest in anthrax largely occurs in waves as international concern over its intentional release waxes and wanes. This monograph concentrates on research from 1990s with a fascinating historical introduction ... . A highly readable short book that provides an authoritative account of the current status of anthrax and highlights the need for further work in several areas." (Fergus Priest, Microbiology Today, Vol. 30, 2003)

"Last year Bacillus anthracis rose to sad eminence by the bioterrorist attacks in the United States. This is already mentioned in this volume of Current Topics in Microbiology and Immunology which comprises a wealth of data from the early beginning of research to the present day. ... The book, written by 13 authors, came in the very nick of time and it links together in a laudable manner history and state-of-the-art research." (W. Köhler, International Journal of Medical Microbiology, Issue 5-6, 2002)