Streptococcus pneumoniae

Book excerpt: This volume looks at the newest methods, materials, equipment, and technologies developed to study the cell biology of the pneumococcus. The chapters, which cover a wide range of topics, are organized into six parts: Part one discusses the cultivation of Streptococcus pneumoniae in vitro; Part Two talks about the microscopy techniques used to study the biology of Streptococcus pneumoniae and pneumococcal interactions with the host; Parts Three and Four describe the genetics, proteome, and proteomics of Streptococcus pneumoniae; Part Five explains in vitro and in vivo models of Streptococcus pneumoniae-host interactions; and Part Six looks at the factors of public health, epidemiology, and biostatistics. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and authoritative, Streptococcus pneumoniae: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both novice and expert researchers who want to expand their studies into new areas and new systems in this continuously evolving field.