Preface

The third volume of Frontiers in Clinical Drug Research – Anti Infectives comprises five chapters that cover genomic mining for anti-infectives, HIV treatments and photosensitizers for anti-microbial activity.

In the first chapter, Sanchez and colleagues review the research in genomic data mining to predict gene clusters that are responsible for coding for secondary metabolites that exhibit antimicrobial activity. They give information about the tools in metabololomics used for the purpose and also give examples of links established through predictive methods. The authors also provide information about research techniques used in metabolomics adding value to their work for readers.

In the second chapter Sobol discusses recent developments concerning a new probiotic prophylactic for HIV treatment. This probiotic stimulates the growth of microflora that increase the concentration of antibodies in the mucosa, thereby boosting the immune system. Continuing with the theme of HIV/AIDS treatments, Al-Jabri et al., have contributed a review on the status of HIV medications that are geared towards eliminating the virus from the body. This review is a reminder to readers that the hope for finding a cure for AIDS, while difficult, is still alive. Readers will find the list of drugs covered in this review useful for keeping their knowledge updated on current anti-HIV medicines.

In chapter 4, Sampaio et al. provide a review of natural products (essential oils, glycosides, polyphenols and other secondary metabolites) that can be used to treat microbial infections in vivo. In the last chapter, Bakthavatchalu and Noel present an interesting review of the use of photosensitizers for treating bacterial infections. Light based treatments (Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy, APDT) are a good way to combat drug resistant pathogens.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all the contributors for their outstanding contributions. I am also thankful to the team of Bentham Science Publishers, especially Dr. Faryal Sami and Mr. Shehzad Naqvi led by Mr. Mahmood Alam, Director Bentham Science Publishers for their efforts.