In the book series “Vse živo ” National Institute of Biology issued a manual with title “Invasion of pathogenic microbes in new environments: rapid diagnosis and risk assessment”
Editors: Marina Dermastia
Authors: Maja Ravnikar, Ion Gutiérrez-Aguirre, Nataša Mehle, Tanja Dreo, Jana Boben, Gregor Urek, Sebastjan Radišek, Saša Širca, Manca Pirc, Metka Žerjav, Mojca Viršček Marn

As a result of global trade and climate change there is an increased emergence of new pathogenic microbes throughout the world. To prevent their harmful actions it is essential to detect them and diagnose the diseases they cause. For early detection of microbes more and more rapid tests are being developed, which can be used on-site. Serological tests were developed first which were recently followed by development of molecular tests. New diagnostic methods for the on-side detection may be based not only on the molecular characteristics of the investigated microbes, but also on their metabolic products and finding of the diseased plants from the air by means of aerial photographs or even satellites. Besides the development of diagnostic methods, the appropriate measures for their control also need to be taken. However, measures themselves often raise economic, environmental and sociological questions. To be able to answer those questions, an assessment of the risk analysis must be made. Moreover, assessment of the risk analysis is the first step leading to classification of pathogenic microbes on the lists of quarantine organisms.

Manual “Invasion of pathogenic microbes in new environments: rapid diagnosis and risk assessment”:

• describes the use of molecular analysis, which can be implemented on-site in various streams and drinking water, to determine rotaviruses that cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans

• on the case of detecting plant microbes presents rapid serological tests, which can be and have been used used on-site

• presents a new method for risk assessment of plant pathogenic microbes, which enables fast decision making and action in the case of new emergence of the microbes.

The manual was prepared by leading Slovenian experts in the diagnosis of plant pathogens and other microbes. It comprises 64 pages and is accompanied by illustrative photographs that lead operators through some diagnostics procedures. Protocols in the manual are designed to contain all the information needed to carry out the tests described, most analyses can be performed also by less experienced operators.

The book, which costs € 10.00 can be ordered by e-mail to Ms. Irena Verderber (irena.verderber @ nib.si) and will be sent by mail, without any additional cost.

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