LIVROS BOOK REVIEWS

PEBERDY, John F. & FERENCZY, Lajos — Fungal protoplasts. Applications in Biochemistry and Genetics. New York, Marcel Dekker, 1985 354p. ilus. (Mycology Series, volume 6). ISBN 0-82-47-7112-5.

Until now the extensive literature generated over the past twenty years on fungal protoplasts has remained scattered in various sources. FUNGAL PROTOPLASTS is the first single source devoted to this major area in experimental mycology, with authoritative and up-to-date reviews of protoplast isolation and plications in fungal biology research.

Written by 18 experts selected for their pioneering efforts in the field this well illustrated, completely detailed volume encompasses the latest findings and advances in protoplast isolation techniques and methodology... current uses of protoplasts in physiological, biochemical, and genetic studies... and developments in protoplast fusion that form the basis for transformation and gene cloning experiments, in- cluding applications in industrial biotechnology.

An unmatched reference of both well-established knowledge and the most modern ideas, approaches, and methods — including endofchapter bibliographies for further research — FUNGAL PROTOPLASTS is a landmark work reflecting the present state of the art and pointing toward future directions in all aspects of protoplast- research. Microbiologists, mycologists, bacteriologists, biochemists, membrane biophysicists, geneticists, cell and molecular biologists, plant physiologists, and biotechnologists, as well as graduate students studying Fungal Biochemistry, Fungal Genetics, Fungal Molecular Biology, and Genetic Engineering, will all benefit from this remarkable, fact filled reference.

CHANG, K.P. .& BRAY, R.S., ed. — Leishmaniasis. Amsterdam, Elsevier Science Publisher (Biochemical Division), 1985. 490p. ilus. (Human Parasitic Diseases, v. 1, Series Editors E.J. Ruitenberg and A.J. Maclnnis). ISBN 0-444.80683 0.

Leishmaniasis, eds. K.-P. Chang and R.S. Bray is volume 1 of a forthcoming series "Human Parasitic Diseases" on subjects as Amebiasis, Giardiasis, Echinococcosis, Filariasis, Schistosomiasis, Hookworm and American Trypanosomiasis. It is the series' editors intentions "to serve the information needs of a broad readership with interest in specific parasitic diseases" covering topics ranging from parasitology to clinical aspects of the disease.

"Leishmaniasis" is divided in two parts; a general one comprising chapters on biology, biochemistry, taxonomy, experimental therapeutics, immunology, immunodiagnosis, clinical aspects, vector biology and control and, laboratory cultivation of leishmania and a specific one describing the diseases in endemic countries of the Americas, Africa, Asia and Europe.

This is an excellent book, with chapters on the general part written quite often by the original contributors to each specific field, full of recent data and references; the chapters on the epidemiology of the disease in endemic countries are also extremely helpful in conveying the full spectrum of the disease.

An interesting point however, regards the title itself: it reads "Leishmaniasis" whereas the foreword by the editors refers to Leishmaniases", conveying the concept that many diseases exist under the name of "Leishmaniasis". In this regard more than a passing reference should have been inserted in this book on the however, will became a classical book on the subject. From volume 1 one can expect very high standards also for the forthcoming volumes on the series.

AL-DOORY, Yousef & DOMSON, Joanne F., ed. — Mould Allergy. Philadelphia, Lea & Febiger, 1984. 287p. ilus. ISBN 0-8121-0897-3.

In this volume the Authors bring together available data and information of fungal aller- gy so as to make it accessible to all with an interest in this field; in addition, they have supplied some basic information on fungi in general, and on those causing allergy in particular. Experts on different aspects of this topic were invited to write the chapters; so it was possible to present pertinent data and current reports on the various facets of fungal allergy.

The topic is discussed from two different vantage points: mycological and clinical. Classification of fungi is included as basic information in the mycological chapters. This is followed by a study of prevalence, structure, identification, growth requirements and the latest developments in techniques used to collect and study airborne fungi. Clinical aspects of fungal allergens that are covered include firstly, those allergens available in the market; the testing of patients and a look at hypersensitivity; and finally, the incidence, diagnosis, prognosis and therapy of fungal allergy. Chapters have been included on bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, aspergilloma and pneumonitis; and finally the relationship of various climate factors to mould allergy.

BODEY, Gerald P. & FAINSTEIN, Victor — Candidiasis. New York, Raven Press, 1985. 281p. ilus. ISBN 0-88167-046-4

Candida infection is becoming an increasingly common and serious problem in immunocompromised patients, and it continues to be a frequent occurrence in normal individuals receiving antibiotic therapy. In CANDIDIASIS, leading clinicians review our current understanding of superficial and systemic Candida infections — their pathogenesis, manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

The contributors thoroughly examine the mycology of Candida infection, the predisposing factors in the host, the complex problems of laboratory and radiologic diagnosis, and the manifestations of candidiasis in individual organ systems. Emphasis is placed on candida infections occurring in Cancer and AIDS pa- tients and in patients receiving therapies that alter host defense mechanisms, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, adrenal corticosteroids, cancer chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy for organ transplantations, and intravenous hyperalimentation. New treatment modalities for various candida infections — especially mucocutaneous candidiasis syndromes — also are described in detail.

With the widespread use of therapies directly or indirectly affecting host defense mechanisms, the population of immunocompromised patients continues to increase. In light of this fact, CANDIDIASIS will be a valuable resource for infectious disease specialists and immunologists, as well as for all clinicians treating patients at risk for Candida infections.

Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  16 Oct 2012
• Date of issue
  Oct 1986