 
Microbiology
Today May 2003
In this issue we consider some interactions
between micro-organisms and sex.
In humans the incidence of sexually transmitted
infections (STIs) is rising rapidly, bringing misery and many social
problems in its wake.
Epidemiologist Kevin Fenton gives an overview of
recent UK trends , whilst Cathy Ison and Iona Martin
focus
on bacterial STIs. Philip Mortimer and Barry Evans discuss the serious
implications of the changing
face of HIV infection.
Chlamydia can affect fertility in men as well as women, as Adrian Eley
describes, and Heather Cubie
explores the link between human papilloma virus
and cervical cancer.
Not all sexual activity is restricted to
people. Bacteria can also be said to have a sex life and Chris Thomas
explains the
benefits of the different ways that bacteria
exchange genetic material. Alternatively, microbes can
affect the sex of invertebrates as Mike Majerus describes.
In Comment, virologist Wendy Barclay ponders on the possibility of a new
pandemic of influenza,
in the light of recent scares about avian 'flu that have hit the
headlines.
Hot off the
Press highlights some new developments
in
microbiological research published in the Society's journals -
Microbiology, Journal of
General Virology, International Journal of Systematic and
Evolutionary
Microbiology and Journal of Medical Microbiology. Topics
covered include:
- Witches' brooms
- Sensitive test for hepatitis B
- H. pylori defence systems
- Development of antifungals against the black yeast
Other items include:
Last updated 18 June 2003
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