Antibiotics by
The 'golden age' for antibiotic discovery, from 1940 until the early 1970s, ushered in a new era in human- and animal-health and the associated dramatic increase in human life expectancies. Indeed, the possibility of eradicating infectious disease seemed feasible. However, it soon became apparent that microorganisms wouldn't be defeated so easily. Their weapon: antibiotic resistance. Today, microbial antibiotic resistance is rapidly exhausting the supply of effective compounds, and this makes the possibility of a global public health disaster seem likely. The urgency of this situation has spawned a plethora of new multi-disciplinary research initiatives looking for novel antibiotics and other antimicrobial agents. In this timely book, respected international experts summarize the most important research to provide a timely overview of the field. Opening chapters define 'antibiotic,' explain why we need new compounds, outline the applications of antibiotics, both old and new, and describe the producing microbes. These are followed by chapters that cover antibiotic resistance, toxicity, overuse, new antimicrobial sources, new targets, novel technologies for antibiotic discovery (e.g. silent gene clusters), lantibiotics, natural antivirals, new macrolide derivatives, and antibiotics in the pipeline. The book will be essential reading for everyone working in antimicrobial research, biotechnology companies, and the pharmaceutical industry, and it is recommended for all microbiology libraries. [Subject: Microbiology, Life Science, Medicine]
Bacterial Physiology by
The application of new molecular methodologies in the study of bacterial behavior and cell architecture has enabled new revolutionary insights and discoveries in these areas. This new text presents recent developments in bacterial physiology that are highly relevant to a wide range of readership including those interested in basic and applied knowledge. Its chapters are written by international scientific authorities at the forefront of the subject. The value of this recent knowledge in bacterial physiology is not only restricted to fundamental biology. It also extends to biotechnology and drug-discovery disciplines.
Essentials of Clinical Infectious Diseases by
This practical handbook provides readers with a quick but comprehensive overview of the major infectious disease topics and clinical approach to diagnosis and management. Covering the core areas of importance to students, residents, fellows, and practitioners in any discipline, the book presents a systematic method for understanding basic mechanisms, establishing a diagnosis, and implementing appropriate treatment for commonly encountered problems. Written in outline format with 46 short, focused chapters, this ready reference is essential reading for physicians looking for guidance in navigating the constellation of symptoms and myriad treatment options for patients with infectious diseases. Organized by body system, each section begins with a general framework covering clinical presentation, laboratory and diagnostic evaluation, and empirical antibiotic therapy. Individual chapters within sections are devoted to particular diseases and cover pathogenesis and risk factors, microbial causes, clinical manifestations, approach to the patient (history, examination, and diagnostic studies), diagnostic criteria, and medical, antimicrobial, and surgical management. "Essentials of Clinical Infectious Diseases" also addresses important related topics including antimicrobial agents, medical microbiology, fever and neutropenia, approach to evaluating leukocytosis, infectious diseases approach to SIRS and sepsis, and basics of infection control and hospital epidemiology. With this book, readers will have at hand the fundamental knowledge necessary to sharpen the clinical problem-solving skills that every medical professional needs to provide quality care to patients. Features of "Essentials of Clinical Infectious Diseases" include: A detailed discussion of core infectious disease topics Antibiotic information specific to the disease process with adult, pediatric, and OB-GYN dosing considerations Basic infection control procedures for hospitalized patients Coverage of important related topics References to current literature and classic articles for further study A focus on clinical approaches to evaluation and management of the patient
Human Pathogenic Fungi by
Fungi cause a spectrum of diseases in humans, ranging from comparatively innocuous superficial skin diseases caused by dermatophytes to invasive life-threatening infections caused by species such as Candida albicans, or Cryptococcus neoformans. Due to the opportunistic nature of most invasive mycoses, fungal pathogenicity has proven difficult to define. However, the application of new genomic and other molecular techniques in recent years has revolutionized the field, revealing fascinating new insights into the mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. In this book, a panel of high profile contributors critically review the most important research to provide a timely overview. The book is divided into two sections. The first six chapters review the transformative effect of applying state-of-the-art tools and innovative approaches to research, particularly in the area of comparative biology. The second section consists of eight chapters, each dedicated to the molecular and cellular biology of a major fungal pathogen of humans: Candida, Aspergillus, Cryptococcus, Dermatophytes, Histoplasma, Blastomyces, Pneumocystis, and Paracoccidoides. These chapters provide a timely snapshot of the current state of research. The book will be an essential reference for students, researchers, and clinicians with an interest in fungal pathogenesis. Subject: Molecular Biology, Epidemiology, Life Science]
Infectious Diseases of the United States by
Infectious Diseases of the United States is one in a series of GIDEON ebooks which summarize the status of individual infectious diseases, in every country of the world. Data are based on the GIDEON web application ( www.gideononline.com ) which relies on standard text books, peer-review journals, Health Ministry reports and ProMED, supplemented by an ongoing search of the medical literature. Chapters are arranged alphabetically, by disease name. Each section is divided into four sections: 1. Descriptive epidemiology 2. Summary of clinical features 3. Status of the disease in the United States 4. References There are 347 generic infectious diseases in the world today. 240 of these are endemic, or potentially endemic, to the United States. A number of other diseases are not relevant to the United States and have not been included in this book. The United States disease notes include separate sections on American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Marianas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In addition to endemic diseases, all published data regarding imported diseases and infection among expatriates from the United States are included.
Viral Hepatitis in Children by
Acute and chronic viral hepatitis infections are serious public health threats around the world. The different infections have different epidemiology and natural his- ries, and children play important roles in each of these. For example, children are important reservoirs for acute hepatitis A, childhood infections are responsible for most of the global morbidity associated with chronic hepatitis B, and perinatal transmission of hepatitis C continues to occur, even as the overall incidence of new infections wanes. Some non-A through E viral hepatitis infections are seen p- dominantly in infants and young children, while others have specific implications for this population. Therapeutic options for children with chronic viral hepatitis are limited when compared to those available for adults, especially for hepatitis B, and considerations given to long-term therapy have dramatic implications when dealing with the long life expectancy of these young patients. With these issues in mind, this unique volume has been created to address the special considerations regarding viral hepatitis in children. It includes the latest information and recommendations specifically directed at the pediatric population, and highlights the knowledge gaps which will need to be filled to improve our understanding of these infections and treatment of this special group. Experienced practitioners from around the world have contributed these reviews, incorporating the latest studies, the current recommendations, and the distinctive pediatric issues that shape clinical care, and will determine the research agenda for this field going forward.
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