From historical observations of Berg and Garlington, the concept that defined bacterial translocation as “the passage of viable bacteria through the epithelial mucosa into the lamina propria and then to the mesenteric lymph nodes, and possibly other tissues” has been modified several times.

Currently, this definition has become broader and includes the passage of both viable and nonviable microbes and microbial products such as lipopolysaccharide across an anatomically intact intestinal barrier. Recently, this concept has also attracted the interest of researchers in the study of several infectious diseases. In fact, if several mechanisms are involved in the healthy host to prevent and/or attenuate microbial translocation (MT) and generalized immune activation, there are multiple diseases which can be associated with MT and consequent host response. This continuing debate over the role of microbial translocation in infectious diseases is fascinating the scientific world and is gradually assuming an increasingly multidisciplinary approach.

We invite authors to submit original research articles as well as review articles that focus on the intersection between the microbial translocation and infections from all points of view. Data-based manuscripts are preferred. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• HIV: treated, untreated, and elite control
• Animal models of HIV disease
• Liver disease
• Gastrointestinal diseases (such us salmonella and rotavirus)
• Primary disorders of immunity

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijmb/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/ according to the following timetable: