Molecular Markers of Infectious Diseases

Characterizing and identifying host and pathogen determinants of protection and the progression towards disease is the first step in the assessment and control of infectious diseases.This book brings together a body of critical information concerning infectious disease markers in a number of selected diseases. The reviews collected here cover: phenotype variations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1, virological, immune and host genetic markers in HIV infection, virulence determinants in Helicobacter pylori (Hp) strains, and the potential of the soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) as a general marker of disease progression, prognosis and mortality. There is also a discussion of the basic concepts of molecular epidemiology using leprosy and tuberculosis as models.This volume provides a good overview of current knowledge and will be of particular interest to all those concerned with the field of biomarkers in infectious diseases.