Fundamentals of Veterinary Microbiology brings together knowledge and understanding of the bacterial pathogens of animals from disease signs and diagnostic methods to the molecular basis of the host pathogen interaction. A small but focused book, it enables the reader to access important information during diagnosis and treatment in a clinically relevant way. Suitable as a companion for study on the subject and for professional use, the author focuses on the more clinically common diseases at the general and first-referral level.

Divided into three sections, the first covers the basics of bacterial microbiology such as structure, growth and genetics. The second examines the commonly encountered bacterial pathogens, with emphasis on current understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of infection and immunity. The third section explores the current state of knowledge of those fungi involved in infection of animals.

Specific topics covered in Fundamentals of Veterinary Microbiology include:

Fundamentals of Veterinary Microbiology is an essential resource for veterinary students, veterinary nurses, and veterinary practitioners worldwide, allowing them to quickly establish a foundation of knowledge of bacterial pathogens based on clear understanding gained from studies over recent decades.

Preface xvii

About the Companion Website xix

1 The Bacterial Cell 1

2 Metabolism, Growth and Culture of Bacteria 9

3 Sterilisation and Disinfection 15

4 Bacterial Genes and Gene Transfer 23

5 Bacterial Pathogenicity 29

6 Bacterial Veterinary Vaccines 39

7 Antimicrobials: Action, Dynamics and Resistance 43

8 Bacterial Typing 51

9 Salmonella 55

10 Escherichia coli – An Intestinal Pathogen 63

11 Escherichia coli as an Extraintestinal Pathogen 69

12 Campylobacter – Hyperendemic on the Farm 75

13 Leptospira – Using Urine to Spread 81

14 Lyme Disease – Ticks and Dogs 87

15 Brachyspira 91

16 Pasteurella 93

17 Pseudomonas and Burkholderia 97

18 Bordetella 101

19 Delicate Gram-negative Bacteria 105

20 Mannheimia, Actinobacillus and Other Pasteurellaceae 111

21 Chlamydia – A Stealthy Pathogen 117

22 Bovine Tuberculosis and Johne's Disease 121

23 Bacillus anthracis 129

24 Clostridium 133

25 Staphylococcus – Skin and Soft Tissue Infection 143

26 Streptococcus 149

27 Nocardia, Actinomyces and Dermatophilus – The Filamentous Pathogens 155

28 Prescottella (Rhodococcus) equi 159

29 Corynebacterium – CLA 163

30 Listeria – Growing in the Fridge 165

31 Erysipelothrix and Trueperella 169

32 Mycoplasma – Cell-associated Pathogens 173

33 Rickettsia – Arthropod Vector-borne Pathogens 179

34 Fungi as Agents of Disease 183

35 Aspergillus – Strength in Numbers 187

36 Dermatophytes – Keratinolytic Fungi 191

37 Yeasts: Malassezia, Candida and Cryptococcus 195

38 Dimorphic Fungal Infections 199

Index 205