Product Description

This is an insider's account of 50 years of genetic studies of the soil-inhabiting microbes that produce most of the antibiotics used to treat infections, as well as anti-cancer, anti-parasitic and immunosuppressant drugs. The book begins by describing how these microbes - the actinomycetes - were discovered in the latter part of the nineteenth century, but remained a 'Cinderella' group until, in the 1940s, they shot to prominence with the discovery of streptomycin, the first effective treatment for tuberculosis and only the second antibiotic after penicillin to become a medical marvel. There followed a massive effort over several decades to find further treatments for infectious diseases and cancer, tempered by the rise of antibiotic resistance consequent on antibiotic misuse and over-use. The book goes on to describe the discovery of gene exchange in the actinomycetes in the context of the rise of microbial genetics in the mid-20th century, leading to determination of the complete DNA sequence of a model member of the group at the turn of the millennium. There follow chapters in which the intricate molecular machinery that adapts the organisms' metabolism and development to life in the soil, including antibiotic production, is illuminated by the DNA blueprint. Then comes an up-to-the minute account of the use of genetic engineering to make novel, hybrid antibiotics and a topical description of techniques to learn the roles of the thousands of genes in a genome sequence, throwing a powerful light on the biology of the organisms and their harnessing for increasing antibiotic prductivity. In the final chapter we return to the mycobacteria that cause tuberculosis and leprosy, the first actinomycetes to be discovered, and how methodology, in part derived from the study of the streptomycetes, is being applied to understand and control these still deadly pathogens.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #602802 in Books
• Published on: 2007-02-22
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 272 pages

Review
This work will be welcomed by scientists with an interest in the development of antibiotic microbiology and genetics. (Journal of the History of Medicine )

...very accessible to the non-specialist reader. New concepts are fully introduced and explained clearly. The book has many black and white illustrations which efficiently aid understanding of the concepts presented...enormously enjoyable. (Immunology News )

Overall this is an extremely well-written book, with a clear and concise narrative that is immensely readable. I would highly recommend it to anyone with an interest in the history of bacteriology, microbial genetics or antibiotics. (Microbiology Today )

Customer Reviews

Natural medicines
This is a great book describing the fascinating scientific study of the ubiquitous soil bacteria called streptomycetes. These bacteria produce naturally a multitude of life-saving medicines including antibiotics, and anticancer agents.
The book describes the history of research that was conducted by scientist from many countries most of whom spent some time in the laboratory of the author and are represented by photographs in the book. The research in antibiotic production has made amazing progress in the past fifty years, culminating in the determination of complete genome sequences and their applications for generating much needed novel antibiotics by genetic manipulation. The current techniques are describes as authoritatively as the early history of antibiotic discovery. Two very informative chapters of the book deal with the ongoing fight against tuberculosis which is caused by bacteria related to the streptomycetes. The story of Streptomyces research shows an extraordinary degree of collaboration between scientists that was generously fostered by author who received many awards including a knighthood in recognition for his contribution to science.
The text is easy and very enjoyable to read. Each of the many topics is treated concisely and the theoretical background is explained clearly with the help of many exemplary illustrations and a good glossary. I highly recommend this book for all who are interested in the history and future of antibiotic production, including lecturers and serious students of the subject.