Populations of the western world are now healthier and enjoying higher life expectancy than ever. They are beginning to benefit from an array of costly new therapies made possible through recent rapid advances in medical science and technology, and their demands on modern medicine are rising. Meanwhile, healthcare systems are struggling with their outdated legacy models of the m- th 20 century and are experiencing ever-increasing financial pressure from g- ernments and health insurance organizations. The equation is no longer in balance, and this predicament is forcing societies to explore new approaches to managing healthcare in the future. Since the first edition of Molecular Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases was published, we have witnessed the sequencing of the (almost) complete human genome and a shift in medical research from an emphasis on genetics to the advancement and useful application of proteomics. Bioinformatics has become the key tool for managing and analyzing the upsurge of data, and faster and more effective test methods and technologies have opened up new prospects for ind- try and academia. The tools of modern genomics and proteomics are now being utilized to specifically guide the discovery of drugs for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of human disease. They may also help us to find a way out of the current healthcare calamity. In this second edition of a much-acclaimed classic laboratory manual, Molecular Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases, leading experts from academia and industry describe cutting-edge methods for the protein-based diagnosis of infectious diseases. Explaining the latest developments in genomics, proteomics, bioinformatics, biosensors, high-throughput devices, and recombinant technology, the authors demonstrate the power of these new methodologies in both established and novel procedures by applying them successfully to the identification and characterization of valuable diagnostic markers, immunomodulatory components, epitope mapping, the production and purification of recombinant antigens, and their use in diagnostic reagents in immunological assays. Basic problems of serological laboratory diagnostics and the use of immunoproteomics for discovering target proteins are also addressed. Each readily reproducible protocol is described in step-by-step detail and includes a background introduction, equipment and reagent lists, tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls, and extensive references.
Comprehensive and up-to-date, Molecular Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases, Second Edition offers novice investigators an easy entry into the field and experienced researchers a broad array of time saving tools that will not only elucidate new principles, but also greatly facilitate the development and successful application of rapid diagnostic methods. "The comprehensive nature of the book makes it an invaluable tool for industry and academia for managing the large amount of data generated in bioinformatics. Each chapter is written in the usual scientific paper format of an abstract, introduction, materials, methods, notes or conclusions and references. The index is well done and makes the book particularly helpful as a reference manual. "-Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal

"...Anyone who has the interest and resources to develop novel assays not only for infectious diseases but also for other diseases will benefit tremendously from this book."
-Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

"...a valuable methodological book for molecular biologists in a hospital laboratory or in academia." -Trends in Parasitology

"...a powerful tool for developing better experiments in the diagnostics of infectious diseases." -International Microbiology

"...a very good compilation of techniques that can be used for numerous applications."
-Analytical Biochemistry

"...a useful reference source for anyone who wants to manipulate microbial protein for diagnostic purposes."
-International Journal of Medical Microbiology

"...this book continues the well-established format of this series from Humana Press in providing clearly described laboratory protocols with useful background discussion...recommended as a useful laboratory reference book..." - Proteomics

"The comprehensive nature of the book makes it an invaluable tool for industry and academia for managing the large amount of data generated in bioinformatics." -Doody's Health Sciences and Book Review Journal

"...well-organized...provides detailed methods andpractical tips...the book can be recommended for students, graduate students, and postdoctoral, fellows in the field of proteomics..." - Clinical Infectious Diseases

"...brings together the key elements of oral medicine and nutrition in an accessible form for the dental professional...an excellent reference text...wholeheartedly recommend(ed)." - American Society for Clinical Nutrition

Review of the first edition:
"This work represents one of the most up-to-date molecular biology protocols books to date. . .Anyone who has the interest and resources to develop novel assays not only for infectious diseases but also for other diseases will benefit tremendously from this book. . a valuable purchase to keep as a quick protocol source." -Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine