Therapeutic Microbiology: Probiotics and Related Strategies

The indigenous microbiota of humans and other animals, far from being passive bystanders, participate in a wide range of complex interactions with their host. The burgeoning field of therapeutic microbiology concerns itself with the manipulation of the indigenous microbiota in order to promote the health of the host. Providing a state-of-the-art overview of the field, this volume breaks new ground in explaining the breakthroughs possible with therapeutic microbiology.


The first volume of its kind in the field, Therapeutic Microbiology explores the potential and actual uses of the many methods for altering the microbiotas of humans and animals: probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, bacteriophages, and replacement therapy. It describes the biological principles underlying the manipulation of the indigenous microbiota and the biology of the effector organisms that have been utilized for this purpose. The many microbes that can potentially be used therapeutically and prophylactically are discussed at length. The book describes applications in both human and veterinary medicine, dentistry, neurology, immunology, and more.



This volume will serve as an important reference source for all those interested in this fast-moving field. Additionally, this book will be invaluable to medical, dental and veterinary practitioners with an interest in alternative approaches to the prevention and treatment of microbial diseases.