Persistent Bacterial Infections

Book excerpt: An examination of persistent bacterial infections in the light of ecological and evolutionary principles. - Focuses on the principles of parasitism and commensalism and our ability to distinguish the two states. - Explores the ways in which persistent infections differ from acute, self-limiting bacterial infections and how both differ from the nonpathogenic commensal state. - Addresses coevolution, host adaptation, natural selection, and other fundamental biological principles. - Serves as a resource for investigators and advanced students in the field of bacterial pathogenesis.