Pathogenesis of Wound and Biomaterial-Associated Infections [Paperback]

Despite the recent advances in medical treatment, patients suffering from wounds such as burns or receiving surgical implants are still in great danger of infection. This has called attention to the need for better understanding of infections at the molecular level. Scientists from various disciplines summarize our knowledge today and investigate how methods to avoid wound and biomaterial-associated infections can be developed. These methods include new antibiotics, surgical strategies to prevent infection, and ways to stimulate the immune system and the tissue healing process. Specific topics include: the definition of microbial cell surface determinants important for adhesion to graft; the definition of extracellular bacterial enzymes and toxins involved in tissue breakdown and the local spread of infection; the prevention of the systemic spreading of infection with immunoglobulins and antibiotics; and the problem of multiple antibiotic resistance in most versatile pathogens.Healing, Scarring, and Contractures.- The Effect of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria and its Products on Wound Healing.- Genetic Studies of Staphylococcus aureus Virulence Factors.- Molecular Biology of Group A Streptococcal M Proteins.- Fibronectin Binding Proteins from Staphylococcus aureus.- Fibrinogen-binding proteins from Staphylococcus aureus.- Osteomyelitis and Staphylococcal Adhesion.- Phagocytosis of Bacteria by Endothelial Cells.- Chromosomal DNA Analyses of Staphylococci.- Microbiology of the Burn Compromised Patient.- Immunomodulating Toxins and Tumor Necrosis Factors.- Immunomodulators  Medicine for the 90-ies ?.- Pathogenesis of skin and wound infections. Animal models.- Toxic Shock Syndrome from Surgical Infections.- Fatty Acid Modifying Enzyme (FAME) and Staphylococcal Abscesses.- Biosynthetic Dressing Materials and their Influence on Wound Healing and Infection.- Clinical and Bacteriological Advantages in the Use of Occlusive Dressings.- Development of a Semi-Synthetic Sugar Palm