The Microbiome in Rheumatic Diseases and Infection

Part I: The Human Microbiome.- Overview of the Human Microbiome.- Methods in Microbiome Studies: Collection.- Methods in Microbiome Studies: Informatics.- Part II: Immunogenetics of the Host Response to Infection.- Immunodeficiency and Autoimmunity.- Immunology of the Microbiome.- Lessons Learned from Animal Models on the Role of the Microbiome in Autoimmunity.- The Stroma in Chronic Inflammation.- Part III: Infections Agents.- Borrelia Burgdorferi.- Helicobacter Pylori.- Chlamydiae: Chlamydia Trachomatis and C. Pneumonia.- Mollicutes: Mycoplasma Pneumonia.- Role of Infection in Protection from Autoimmunity.- DNA Viruses.- RNA Viruses.- Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.- Enteroviruses.- Hepatitis A Virus.- Hepatitis C Virus.- Protozoal Infections.- Helminth Infections.- The Case for Fungi as Triggers for Autoimmunity.- Part IV: The Role of Infectious Agents in Rheumatic Diseases.- RA.- Spondylitis.- JIA.- Psoriasis & PSA.- Inflammatory Bowel Disease.- Reactive Arthritis.- Rheumatic Fever / Post-Streptococcal Glomerunlonephritis.- SLE.- APS.- Sjorgren's Syndrome.- Myositis.- Vasculitis Syndromes.- Cryoglobulinemia.- Behcet's.- Uveitis.- Sarcoidosis.- Autoinflammatory Syndromes.- Miscellaneous.- Part V: Practical Aspects.- Vaccinations in Rheumatology.- Management of Autoimmune Disorders During Infection / Immunodeficiency.- Individual Drugs in Rheumatology and the Risk of Infection.- The Microbiome: Towards Individualized Medicine

This book discusses the role of the microbiome in rheumatic diseases and details its implications for patient treatment. Recently, with technological advances, there has been significant research into the microbiome. This has enabled us to more profoundly understand its role in our immune system maturation as well as the role played by microorganisms in autoimmunity and the deeply related rheumatic diseases. This book comprehensively explains the emerging microbiome research through the interrelationships of biomedical sciences, including: immunology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and, with special emphasis, the clinical aspect of rheumatology. It examines the interplay between infectious organisms and major autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and vasculitis, and explains how to apply that knowledge to diagnostic techniques and treatment decisions. The international team of expert authors provides insight into current therapies and future interventions specifically targeting the microbiota and explores the impact of our deeper understanding on enhancing personalized medicine. The Microbiome in Rheumatic Diseases and Infection is an essential resource for rheumatologists, pediatricians, internists, microbiologists, and critical care providers caring for children and adults with rheumatic diseases.

Gaafar Ragab, MD is Professor of Internal Medicine at Cairo University and Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. He was previously Head of the Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology unit at Cairo University.

T. Prescott Atkinson, MD, PhD is Professor/ Director of the Division of Pediatric Allergy, Asthma & Immunology at The Children's Hospital of Alabama.

Matthew L. Stoll, MD, PhD is Associate Professor in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.