Infectious Disease: Pathogenesis, Prevention and Case Studies

Abstract

Rapid globalization has led to the unprecedented interest in infectious diseases worldwide and their effect on complex population dynamics. The clear demand for an integrated approach in understanding the basic science behind infectious diseases has led to the publication of this text. The fundamental principles of infectious diseases are covered in this book, including microbial aetiology of disease; microbe structure and function; host defence and microbial pathogenesis and evasion; diagnosis of infections; antimicrobial chemotherapy; and the epidemiology of infectious disease. Infections of different body sites and systems are discussed, as well as infections in various groups (obstetric, congenital, neonatal; in immunocompromised hosts; nosocomial). Some of the diseases addressed are childhood rash illnesses (measles, scarlet fever, rubella, chickenpox, erythema infectiosum, exanthema subitum/roseola infantum) and infections with global impact (tuberculosis, malaria, human immune deficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [HIV/AIDS], viral hepatitis, influenza) and imported infections. Also considered are emerging and resurgent infections and agents of bioterrorism.