Pharmaceutical Microbiology encompasses those aspects of Microbiology which impact directly upon the development, production and use of pharmaceutical compounds. It is arguably the most exciting, dynamic and relevant sub-discipline of Microbiology and provides a direct interface between clinical microbiology, immunology, pharmacology and biotechnology. The influence of Pharmaceutical Microbiology pervades aspects of basic research into potential microbial drug targets, through applied research and towards the development of novel biotechnological approaches to drug production and delivery. With the advent of high-throughput sequencing technologies, the availability of microbial genome sequences and the delivery of the human genome sequence, scientists are now well placed to challenge microbial threats to human health. In an era of increasing antibiotic resistance, nosocomial infections and chronic viral infections (including HIV) one could argue that there has never been a more opportune time for the development of new antimicrobials and vaccines.

Title is also available as part of a set: Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Microbiology (978-1-4419-0715-8)