Sexually Transmitted Diseases

In recent years, molecular techniques have enhanced our ability to detect sexually transmitted infections and to conduct research to further our und- standing of sexually transmitted diseases. Molecular methods to quantitate pathogen load have also been shown to be useful for the management of HIV and other viral STDs. Existing laboratory manuals for the clinical microbi- ogy laboratory often do not include molecular methods for STDs. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Methods and Protocols is intended to fill the need for a dedicated manual that covers all the fundamental aspects of molecular pro- cols for laboratory diagnosis, as well as research methodology for STDs, - cluding HIV. There are more than types of molecular techniques described in this book covering nine major sexually transmitted pathogens. Although mole- lar methods for the detection of such pathogens as Trichomonas vaginalis are available in the published literature, they have not been included since they are not yet widely used for laboratory diagnosis or research. Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Methods and Protocols is one of a series of books treating Methods Molecular Medicine, published by Humana Press.

"This is an excellent addition to the Humana Press series, "Methods in Molecular Medicine." This is a highly valuable and unique text since it describes molecular techniques for a wide range of STD pathogens. . . Fifty percent of the text is dedicated to describing diagnostic techniques currently used in the clinical or research laboratory. . . The credibility of the text is greatly enhanced by the outstanding group of international STD investigators, which the authors have assembled for the purpose of developing a concise yet authoritative laboratory resource. This text would be a valuable acquisition for both STD investigators and students contemplating laboratory or clinical studies in this area of medicine. "-4 Stars, Doody's Health Sciences Book Review Journal

"The methods described are clearly written in a 'recipe' format . . .easy to follow and annotated with detailed notes. The amount of detail provided will enable investigators to get the methods working using this book alone."-Journal of Medical Microbiology

"This is an excellent, concise, and comprehensive manual. . .a very useful addition to the library of any laboratory wanting to take advantage of the exciting developments this new technology provides."-Molecular Biotechnology

"Drs. Peeling and Sparling have assembled a team of 24 international experts to prepare this volume, which is the first publication devoted solely to the molecular diagnosis of sexually transmitted diseases. This book is particularly timely in that describes state-of-the-art methods for detecting sexually transmitted infections using molecular biology techniques, provides insights about the relative strengths and weaknesses of a number of different commercial and nonproprietary assays, and includes commentary on the traditional culture or serology procedures for detecting and characterizing bacterial and viral infections....this is a very useful volume that provides both reference information as well as step-by-step protocols for performance of various molecular-based assays for detection of sexually transmitted pathogens. Any clinical laboratory that uses such technology for diagnostic testing, screening, or through a reference laboratory will find this textbook useful."-American Journal of Clinical Pathology

"This volume will help to achieve a rapid detection of the causative agents, which is a prerequisite for appropriate measures....It is concisely written, and should be used in the respective laboratories for either implementation of the procedures described or for critical review of own inhouse methods."-International Journal of Medical Microbiology