The Challenge of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms

The OHOLO conferences are sponsored by the Israel Institute for Biological Research and take their name from the site of the ?rst meeting on the shores of Lake Kinnereth. The present 46th OHOLO Conference marks the resumption of the OHOLO tradition after 8 years of interruption caused by events beyond our control. This book addresses the unique features of four microorganisms that constitute the top bioterror threat agents: Bacillus anthracis; Yersinia pestis, Francisella tularensis and Orthopoxviruses. Side-by-side updated information about their pathogenisis, virulence and epidemiology is provided in a single volume, allowing for evaluation of common features as well as common strategies for defense. Classical microbiological as well as genomic, proteomic & transcriptomic approaches towards development of strategies of novel prophylactic and post-exposure treatment and related aspects of diagnostics and bioforensics are covered. Written by top scientists, this book will be of major interest to all researchers interested in the intricate biology of highly pathogenic microorganisms, to scientists and clinicians interested in microbial pathogenesis and prevention, and to a wide range of professionals dealing with the various aspects of bio-defense. The OHOLO conferences are sponsored by the Israel Institute for Biological Research and take their name from the site of the ?rst meeting on the shores of Lake Kinnereth. The purpose of these meetings is, as it was at their inception over 50 years ago, “to foster interdisciplinary communication between scientists in Israel, and to provide added stimulus by the participation of invited scientists from abroad”. The core of the organizers of the OHOLO conferences are scientists from the Israel Institute for Biological Research.…