Microbial Pathogens and Human Diseases

N.A. Khan: School of Biological & Chemical Sciences, Birkbeck College, University of London, UK
ISBN 978-1-57808-535-4/ May 2008/ ca.300 pages incl. 15 color plates, hc/ US $ 89.00

This book provides a concise but comprehensive description of human infectious diseases due to microbial pathogens, from a physician's and a microbiologist's point of view, as well as providing an understanding of the use of microbial pathogens as biological weapons. It is indispensable for students, physicians, medical and nursing staff, and infectious disease specialists. All topics are covered in a concise fashion, which also are useful for self-study and life-long learning (applicable for part-time students).

CONTENTS

Microbial or Infectious Diseases: Introduction
• Disease • Microbial infectious diseases • Why study infectious diseases-Global perspective • The forgotten world • Why can't we get rid of infectious diseases? • Antimicrobial resistance: a clear and present danger • Portals of entry • Pathogen reservoir • Modes of transmission • The way forward

Major Human Microbial Infectious Diseases
• The study of microbial infectious diseases: a physician's and a microbiologists's perspective • Human body • Skin infections • Eye infections • Ear infections • Respiratory infections • Lower respiratory infections • Gastrointestinal infections • Liver infections • Urinary tract infections • Central nervous system infections • Sexually transmitted diseases • Cardiovascular infections • Bone and joint infections (Skeletal system) • Disseminated infections • Other important infections • Human defence mechanisms • Antimicrobials • Commonly used Antimicrobials

Viruses
• Infectious agents: the missing link • Viruses • Viral classification • Viral genetics • Viral infections • Viral pathogenesis • Control of viral infections • Major viral pathogens of humans • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as the model virion

Bacteria
• Introduction • Pathogenesis and virulence of bacterial infections • Bacterial toxins • Bacterial evasion of immune defences • Control of bacterial infections • Major bacterial pathogens of humans • Escherichia coli as a model bacterium

Protozoa
• Introduction • Protozoa: cellular properties • Classification • Locomotion • Feeding • Reproduction • Life cycle • Protozoa as human pathogens • Balamuthia mandrillaris as a model protozoan

Fungi
• Introduction • Taxonomy • Fungi-cellular properties • Feeding • Growth in fungi • Fungal transmission
• Strategies against pathogenic fungi • Human fungal infections • Cryptococcus neoformans as a model fungus

Microbes as Bioweapons
• Microbes as biological weapons • History • Agents for bioweapons • Biodefence • Preventative measures • Therapeutic measures
Colour Plate Section

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