The rapid advances made in the study of the synthesis, structure and function of biological macromole- cules in the last fifteen years have enabled scientists concerned with antimicrobial agents to achieve a considerable measure of understanding of how these substances inhibit cell growth and division. The use of antimicrobial agents as highly specific inhibitors has in turn substantially assisted the investigation of complex biochemical processes. The literature in this field is so extensive, however, that we considered an attempt should be made to draw together in an introductory book the more significant studies of recent years. This book, which is in fact based on lecture courses given by us to undergraduates at Liverpool and Manchester Universities, is therefore intended as an introduction to the biochemistry of antimicrobial action for advanced students in many disciplines. We hope that it may also be useful to established scientists who are new to this area of research. The book is concerned with a discussion of medically important antimicrobial compounds and also a number of agents that, although having no medical uses, have proved invaluable as research tools in bio- chemistry. Our aim has been to present the available information in a simple and readable way, empha- sizing the established facts rather than more controversial material. Whenever possible, however, we have indicated the gaps in the present knowledge of the subject where further information is required.
This stimulating new edition of the well-respected title Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Antimicrobial Drug Action primarily covers medically important antimicrobial agents, but also includes some compounds not in current medical use, which have been invaluable as research tools in biochemistry.
Since the previous edition of this book, the impact of molecular biology on our understanding of the mechanisms of antimicrobial action and drug resistance has evolved significantly. This is reflected in the book’s coverage, with new material dealing with the remarkable recent developments in unraveling the complex molecular details of drug interactions with such key targets as ribosomes and the enzymes of nucleic acid replication and microbial cell wall biosynthesis. The new addition also reviews key advances in the biochemistry and molecular biology of drug-resistant pathogens including viruses, parasitic protozoa, fungi, and the much feared ‘superbugs’ such as MRSA.
Completely updated and rewritten, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Antimicrobial Drug Action will be of great use to medical and biological sciences students taking courses in pharmacology, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemistry and chemotherapeutics. Because of the wealth of information within the covers of this important book, all those involved in research into drug action and development, whether in the pharmaceutical industry or academia, will find Biochemistry and Molecular Biology of Antimicrobial Drug Action invaluable. It should also be on the shelves of all libraries, in university medical schools and departments of biological sciences, biochemistry, and pharmacology.
