Bacterial diarrheal diseases remain an important leading cause of preventable death, especially among children under five in developing countries. In the American continent, diarrheal disease and other health complications caused byEscherichia coliconstitute a major public health problem, and, therefore, several research groups have dedicated their effort to understand this pathogen and provide feasible solutions to prevent, treat and reduceE. coli infections.
The Latin American Coalition forEscherichia coli Research (LACER) was created as a multidisciplinary network of international research groups working withE. coli with the ultimate goal of advancing understanding ofE. coli,and to prepare the next generation of AmericanE. coliinvestigators. As such, this book compiles the knowledge of these investigators aboutE. coli, a commensal bacteria living inside its host, and a pathogen causing disease in animals and humans.
Escherichia coli in the Americas contains a series of 15 chapters written by experts, covering basic concepts regarding the different categories ofE. coli, including their environmental niche, virulence mechanisms, host reservoir, and disease outcomes, as well as diagnosis, vaccine development and treatment. This book's target audience include trainees and students learning about the basic and clinical aspects ofE. coli pathogenesis, as well as experts around the globe who wish to learn more about this pathogen and the public health impact this bacteria has in America.
Alfredo Torres, MS, PhD is a Professor and Director of Faculty Diversity at the University of Texas Medical Branch. He has extensive experience in the study of bacterial pathogens, and has published more than 100 peer-review publications, and 2 books in the area of Escherichia coli pathogenesis, food safety, therapeutics and vaccines.
