My primary interest in reading this book was to fill the gaps in my understanding of oral immune defences that, whilst
representing a first barrier to infection, all too often fail to figure in the ‘mental schemes’ of ‘conventional’ immunologists – even those who are interested in mucosal immunity. However, it also proved to be a highly valuable read because it gave a systemic introduction to all aspects of pathogen–immune system interactions in the oral cavity.
The book covers a full range of subjects important for dental professionals, including the essentials of microbiology and virology, molecular approaches, and the pathogeneses of oral cavity diseases. It is also a well-structured and highly valuable study aid that will be highly appreciated by students and those who teach them. In addition, CD-ROM materials can be ordered for teaching purposes. The ordering of the material is extremely well-planned, with the basic concepts of microbiology and immunology introduced initially, and then drawn on in following chapters; for example, where host–pathogen interactions in the oral cavity are discussed, and in the section covering the pathogenesis of dental diseases such as caries and periodontal disease.
For example, the introduction of T-cell subsets in the opening chapters of the book is followed by a discussion of the role of Th1 cells in periodontal disease. Also, approaches in vaccination, including mucosal, are covered for some pathogens at appropriate points . Step-by-step, from chapter-to-chapter, a full picture of the processes important for oral cavity health maintenance and disease control is developed. In particular, I found the description of the mechanisms of bacterial biofilm formation, and the role of the thin salivary coating of the tooth in this process (and its relevance to the pathogenesis of dental plaque) especially interesting, because this is a feature that is probably easier to highlight in the oral cavity then in other sites where the immune system operates.
New insights regarding bacterial acquisition, colonization, adhesion mechanisms, metabolism, growth regulation and communication can be found in the chapter ‘Oral microbial ecology’, as it describes all of these processes in situ rather than in the context of
in vitro culture. There are also some chapters that give very clear and up-to-date explanations of bacteria isolation and identification methods, and a detailed narrative of molecular and genetic approaches – including population genetics, and the role of genetic factors in susceptibility to oral cavity diseases. The essentials of biochemical processes are dealt with in the chapter titled ‘Oral microbial physiology’; whilst the chapter covering virology starts with a basic introduction to virus structure, life cycle, the different stages of infection, as well as viral taxonomy – including descriptions of some of the major oral cavity viruses, including the viruses HAV, HBV, HCV, and HSV, as well as CMV, EBV, HIV-1 and papilloma viruses. Chapters on fungal infection and antibiotics usage are also clear, up-to-date and provide valuable reading.
And last, but not the least, is the chapter on infection control in dentistry, which contains a lot of specific recommendations and references, including electronic resources, with tables on HBV and HIV post-exposure measures, as an example. This is probably one of the most important areas of knowledge for dentistry specialists, as the government regulations in some countries are, at this moment, far from perfect.
Overall, the book is highly useful, well-written and gives good coverage of main aspects of oral microbiology and immunology.