Bacteria and Cancer

Bacterial infections cause substantial morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. These infections always remained enigmatic due to initial reluctance of cancer researchers in understanding their etiologic potential. Etiological association of bacteria with cancer gained credibility after discovery of carcinogenic potential of Helicobacter pylori. Moreover, other suspected associations including Salmonella typhi and gallbladder cancer, Streptococcus bovis and colon cancer and Chlamydia pneumoniae with ocular adnexal lymphoma etc. are looking for a legitimate appraisal to unravel their etiologic potential without prejudice. In contrary, bacteria also shows protective role for certain types of cancer. Certain agents derived from bacteria are successfully used for the management of cancer. The integrate association of bacteria and cancer association is evident in both positive and negative aspects. The role of bacteria in cancer etiology and treatment has been vigorously studied since last few years. Present book tries to provide current status of research undergoing in above direction, with the glimpses of future possibility for utilizing microbiological knowledge in the management of this deadly killer. This book will interest specialist dealing with cancer associated infectious complications, researchers working in the field of cancer biology, teachers and scientist in the field of microbiology, biotechnology, medicine and oncology. The unique coverage of bacteriology and cancer association in both positive and negative way can usher into to development of novel thrust area for microbiology students and experts.