A Review of Bacterial Pathogenesis

A Review of Bacterial Pathogenesis

Doreen Cunningham
Saint Augustine’s College, Raleigh, NC, E-mail:
dfcunningham@st-aug.edu.

Bacterial Pathogenesis: A Molecular Approach, Third Edition; Brenda A. Wilson, Abigail A. Salyers, David Whitt, and Malcom E. Winkler; (2011). American Society for Microbiology Press, Washington, DC. 526 pages. Illustrated.

The third edition of the prestigious Bacterial Pathogenesis does not disappoint. Two new authors (Brenda Wilson and Malcom Winkler) have been included, and their experience and knowledge in bacterial pathogenesis is evident throughout the text. The first two editions provided students with a text that did not previously exist in the bacterial pathogenesis field. These editions also provided background information on specific topics that served to help students from diverse disciplines stay current in this ever-changing field.

The third edition, similar to the second, is completely revised and updated. It is no longer divided into sections that focus mainly on categorizing the individual bacterial pathogens. Instead, as its organizing theme, it uses core principles based on the growing understating of underlying similarities in mechanism of action, for example, among many types of pathogens. After the first three introductory chapters, the remaining chapters conclude with research-based problems that will help develop students’ critical thinking and analytical skills.

This book is intended for students. I find the writing style refreshing when compared to the average textbook, and also appreciate that it reminds the reader of the importance of new findings in current pathogenesis research.

In the first chapter, I note the absence of the classical introductory explanation of bacteria, categorizing them as prokaryotes within the domain Bacteria and discussing their modes of replication and reproduction. Although these concepts are basic, I believe they are important for the reader. Instead, the authors introduce the opening chapter with a public health spin, discussing topics such as “old faithful” antibiotics, once considered miracle drugs, and noting how their over-use has led to many issues now difficult for society to address.

One major complaint I have with this wonderful book, is the choice of gray-blue color scheme for the illustrations. I know many people believe this to be a benefit to the book, but I must disagree. My difficulty with this approach is due to the fact that many students today have varying degrees of learning disorders. I have found that using bright and contrasting colors helps such students process the mechanisms and concepts better. Since this book is intended for students, I think a change from the grey-blue scheme would be greatly appreciated by the intended audience.

Overall, I am confident that the reader of this text will value the attention to detail and retain the book as a reference on bacterial pathogenesis.

(Return to Top)

DOI: 10.1128/jmbe.v12i1.301
Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education, May 2011
Copyright © 2010 American Society for Microbiology. All Rights Reserved



JMBE
ISSN: 1935-7885