Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was discovered over one hundred years ago after observing the death of microorganisms upon exposure to dyes and light. It is the combination of non-toxic dyes and harmless visible light that, in the presence of oxygen, produce highly toxic reactive species. The principal medical application during the last century was in cancer therapy but, in these days of rising antibiotic resistance, PDT shows increasing promise as an alternative approach to treating infections. PDT has also been used in blood product sterilization, peridontology, acne reduction, and the treatment of viral lesions such as those caused by human papilloma virus. It may also have potential as an environmentally friendly pesticide. This is the first and only book to comprehensively cover the use of light and photosensitising agents for controlling microbial pathogens. It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of an emerging field. There are several chapters on the design of antimicrobial photosensitizers, their use to kill pathogenic organisms and their success in treating infections in animal models. It has long been known that gram-positive bacteria are highly susceptible to photoinactivation but the book also discusses means of widening the range of microorganisms that can be tackled by PDT. Edited by two pioneers in the application of PDT to medical and environmental issues, this book covers the basic science, translational research in animals, and the clinical applications in various medical specialities. It represents an indispensable resource for microbiologists and infectious disease doctors as well as dentists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists and transfusion specialists.

Viruses are the causes of approximately 25% of human cancers. Due to their importance in carcinogenesis, there is a desperate need for a book that discusses these viruses. This book is therefore timely, providing a comprehensive review of the molecular biology of oncogenic viruses and the cancers they cause. Viruses that are discussed in the individual chapters include hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, human papilloma viruses, Epstein????????????Barr virus, Kaposi's sarcoma virus and human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. This book provides up-to-date information for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, medical students, physicians and non-experts who are interested in learning more about the oncogenic viruses and how they cause human cancers.

This issue, Guest Edited by Drs. Shyam Mohapatra and Gary Hellermann, will include topics such as: Virus-induced airway injury and asthma inception; Pediatric infectious diseases and asthma; Rhinoviruses and inception or exacerbation of asthma; Respiratory syncytial virus infections in the adult asthmatic-role of viral subversion and host susceptibility in RSV infection; New rhinovirus clades and their significance in asthma exacerbation and airway remodeling; Metapneumovirus and asthma.

The book begins with a review of zoonotic pandemics of the past: the "Black Death" or bubonic plague of the Middle Ages, the Spanish Influenza pandemic (derived from avian influenza) of the early 20th century, to the more modern pandemic of AIDS/HIV infection, which originated in Africa from primates. However, the majority of chapters focus on more recent zoonoses, which have been recognized since the late 20th century to the present: * SARS and MERS coronaviruses* New avian influenza viruses * The tick-borne Henan fever virus from China* The tick-borne Heartland virus from the United States * Recently recognized bacterial pathogens, such as Streptococcus suis from pigs. In addition, reemergence of established zoonoses that have expanded their niche are reviewed, such as the spread of Zika virus and Chikungunya virus to the Western Hemisphere, and the emergence and spread of Ebola virus infection in Africa. A chapter is also devoted to an overview of the mechanisms and various types of animals involved in the transmission of diseases to humans, and the potential means of control and prevention. Many endemic and sporadic diseases are still transmitted by animals, through either direct or indirect contact, and zoonoses are estimated to account for about 75% of all new and emerging infectious diseases. It is predicted by public health experts that the next major pandemic of infectious disease will be of animal origin, making Emerging Zoonoses: A Worldwide Perspective a crucial resource to all health care specialists by providing them with much needed information on these zoonotic diseases.iv>

Foodborne pathogens continue to cause major public health problems worldwide. These organisms are the leading causes of illness and death in less developed countries, killing approximately 1.8 million people annually. In developed countries, foodborne pathogens are responsible for millions of cases of infectious gastrointestinal diseases each year, costing billions of dollars in medical care and lost productivity. In addition, new foodborne diseases are likely to emerge driven by factors such as pathogen evolution, changes in agricultural and food manufacturing practices, and changes to the human host status. A third problem is that there are growing concerns that terrorists could use pathogens to contaminate food and water supplies in attempts to incapacitate thousands of people and disrupt economic growth. Fuelled by these concerns, research into the genomics, molecular biology, and microbiology of the most important foodborne pathogens has escalated to unprecedented levels in recent

Associations between the composition of the intestinal microbiome and many human diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and cancer, have been elegantly described in the past decade. Now, whole-genome sequencing, bioinformatics, and precision gene-editing techniques are being combined with centuries-old therapies, such as fecal microbiota transplantation, to translate current research into new diagnostics and therapeutics to treat complex diseases. Bugs as Drugs provides a much-needed overview of microbes in therapies and will serve as an excellent resource for scientists and clinicians as they carry out research and clinical studies on investigating the roles the microbiota plays in health and disease. In Bugs as Drugs, editors Robert A. Britton and Patrice D. Cani have assembled a fascinating collection of reviews that chart the history, current efforts, and future prospects of using microorganisms to fight disease and improve health. Sections cover traditional uses of probiotics, next-generation microbial therapeutics, controlling infectious diseases, and indirect strategies for manipulating the host microbiome.

Rhabdoviruses and Filoviruses are single-stranded, non-segmented, negative-strand RNA viruses, many of which cause significant morbidity and mortality in humans and animals. Certain members of these virus families have been used as excellent model systems to understand the molecular biology of replication, host responses to infections, and viral countermeasures. Rhabdoviruses have also been used as vaccine vectors as well as oncolytic agents.Studies on Filoviruses have now provided significant insights into how they enter susceptible cells, replicate and cause disease, and also how they evade the host's immune mechanisms. This book addresses the most recent findings on Rhabdovirus and Filovirus structure, replication mechanisms, host cell responses to virus infections and viral countermeasures. Chapters on emerging viruses as well as approaches for therapeutic interventions have also been included.This book represents an authoritative text that brings together the most recent advances on the cellular and molecular biology of Rhabdo- and Filoviruses, including mechanisms of pathogenesis.

One of the most promising new approaches for the prevention of HIV transmission, particularly for developing countries, involves topical, self-administered products known as microbicides. The development of microbicides is a long and complicated process, and this volume provides an overview of all the critical areas, from the selection of appropriate candidate molecules and their formulation, preclinical and clinical testing for safety and efficacy, strategies for product registration and finally, issues associated with product launch, distribution and access. The book will prove valuable to both those working in the field and all others who are interested in learning more about this product class, which has the potential to significantly impact the future of this devastating epidemic.

This book aims to advance the understanding of deubiquitinases (DUBs) and DUB-like enzymes. Chapters detail methods used to identify, classify,and biochemically characterize DUBs along with approaches that enable both the determination and alteration of DUB biological function.. Written in the format of the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, each chapter includes an introduction to the topic, lists necessary materials and reagents, includes tips on troubleshooting and known pitfalls, and step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Deubiquitinases: Methods and Protocols aims to be a useful and practical guide to new researchers and experts looking to expand their knowledge.

Microbiology for the Healthcare Professional, 3rd Edition offers an excellent foundation for understanding the spread, treatment, and prevention of infectious disease - critical knowledge for today's healthcare professional. This straightforward introductory text makes microbiology approachable and easy to learn, presenting just the right level of information and detail to help you comprehend future course material and apply concepts to your new career. UNIQUE! Why You Need to Know and Life Application boxes make the content more relevant by putting material in a real-world context, helping you understand how concepts apply to everyday situations. UNIQUE! Medical Highlights boxes in each chapter provide anecdotal information about a pathological condition mentioned in the chapter, with illustrations and updates on new trends and information specific to the healthcare industry. UNIQUE! Health Care Application tables in each chapter provide quick access to focused information on pathogens as they relate to the subject matter of the chapter, including symptoms, causes, and treatments for a given condition/pathogen when applicable. Timesaving focus on just the necessary information provides the ideal level of introductory microbiology coverage. Chapter outlines and key terms for every chapter enable more efficient learning. Learning objectives clarify chapter goals and guide you through the content. Twenty review questions at the end of each chapter test your retention and help you identify areas requiring further study. NEW! The Bigger Picture section in each body system chapter identifies other body systems that might be affected by a particular microbial infection. NEW! Technology Boxes highlight new technology, such as artificial intelligence, that is becoming more essential to diagnosis and treatment in the healthcare field.

Henipaviruses form a new genus of emerging paramyxoviruses that are the deadliest human pathogens within the Paramyxoviridae family. This volume deals with the many facets of henipavirus biology, and covers our current understanding regarding the ecology, molecular virology, and pathogenesis of henipavirus infections. It is an international effort written by a multidisciplinary panel of experts at the front lines of research into this lethal emerging group of paramyxoviruses. The first section introduces the epidemiology and ecology of Nipah and Hendra viruses in their respective endemic areas, including a first-hand account of the discovery of Nipah virus during its initial outbreak in Malaysia; the next section documents the molecular virology of henipaviruses, and the substantial advances made towards understanding the unique features of henipavirus entry and tropism; and this is followed by accounts of the clinical and pathologic features of henipavirus infections in their human and naturally infected animal hosts. The next sections on pathogenesis provide a comprehensive reference on how henipaviruses counteract the innate immune system, and the relevant pathogenic features in animal challenge models developed to test potential therapeutic strategies. The final sections describe our current and future capabilities for diagnosis and control, including an account of potentially effective immunization strategies that are currently being tested. This book will not only serve as a useful reference for the henipavirus field; it will be useful to basic and animal virologists, ecologists, epidemiologists, physicians, and others interested in emerging infectious viral diseases, as it showcases the multidisciplinary efforts required to understand the genesis, spread and hopefully, control, of a group of lethal emerging zoonotic pathogens.

Instant Notes in Medical Microbiology covers medical microbiology from the molecular biology of infectious agents right through to the clinical management of the infected patient, including disease pathogenesis, diagnosis, and the use of antimicrobial therapy.

The first section covers how micro-organisms spread and cause disease in humans, and how the human body responds to infection in general. The next three sections give a broad outline of the important properties of human infectious pathogens; split into viruses, bacteria, and eukaryotic organisms. The final sections cover laboratory diagnosis, antimicrobial chemotherapy, prevention strategies, and infection from the point of view of the patient.

This concise, problem-based textbook covers 91 of the most common infectious diseases, using case studies to promote interactive learning and to build a foundation of knowledge for clinical practice. It presents an overview of how infectious diseases affect a particular organ system. Then, it provides clinical case scenarios, differential diagnosis tables, and succinct explanations of the infectious process, with treatment options and outcomes. Crisp, full-color images and USMLE-style practice questions round out the text. Presents a detailed clinical case study for each infectious disease covered, including treatment and outcomes. Integrates basic and clinical sciences. Covers the most common infectious diseases, including bioterrorism agents and emerging infectious diseases. Promotes active learning by presenting the case study as an unknown, and then providing differential diagnosis tables and rationales. Features over 350 full-color illustrations and images of clinical disease to reinforce written material. Highlights key symptoms, microbiology, epidemiology, and pathogenesis for rapid review. Provides summary tables of important diseases caused by the infecting organism. Includes practice questions to help prepare for the USMLE step 1 and 2 exams. With 3 additional contributing experts.

Filling a gap in the literature, this reference provides concise and practical guidelines for the diagnosis and management of sinusitis and furnishes an authoritative outline of our current understanding of the pathophysiology of this condition. Addressing a wide spectrum of issues related to the identification, epidemiology, and etiology of sinusitis, this guide presents detailed illustrations and flowcharts to clarify the interactions between the pathological and physiological processes of sinusitis and illustrate current treatment practices.

This book, besides reviewing basic and clinical aspects of Behcet's disease, covers the latest findings, including genetic studies and treatment with biologics for the disease. Although the cause of Behcet's disease is still unknown, it is well known that genetic factors, such as HLA-B51, are involved in its development. Recently, novel susceptibility loci including IL10, IL23R-IL12RB2, and endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 1 have been identified, providing new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease. In addition to basic research, the beneficial efficacy of anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibodies has also been suggested for not only uveitis associated with the disease but also other subtypes of the disease such as entero-, vasculo-, and neuro- Behcet's disease. Behcet's Disease: From Genetics to Therapies provides essential information both for basic researchers working in the fields of immunology, inflammation, and genetics, and for clinical physicians who are interested in Behcet's disease, such as ophthalmologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, and vascular surgeons.

Respiratory infections constitute a major public health concern. The goal of this book is to share knowledge on the best advances in influenza and influenza-like viral infections, and new molecular-based diagnostic methods that discern the antigenic shift enabling viruses to constantly evolve and elude the host immune response. Co-infections, co-morbidities, persistently meager anti-flu vaccination coverage, and infection complications are dealt with. The chapters also further insight into such topics as the effects of sex hormones, and socioeconomic and anthropometric measures on respiratory and immune functions underlying the severity of asthma and respiratory allergy. Psychological functioning in respiratory disorders, taking into account quality of life, illness acceptance, and depressive symptoms is also reviewed as it is all too often underestimated by healthcare providers. The book is intended for clinicians, researchers, students, and all other actors in health-related issues.

A concise, practical guide to the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. Authoritative and practical, this important new book not only spells out the advantages and limitations of the latest diagnostic tests, but also provides numerous algorithms for evaluating patients and treating the liver problems commonly encountered by primary care physicians. Here, too, the reader will find described the nuances of serological tests for the detection of viral infections and how best to use invasive and noninvasive radiological tests in specific circumstances. Common complications are fully discussed and detailed practical information is given on how to recognize the patient's immediate problems and deal with them effectively. This book's numerous diagrams, clinical "pearls," and cost comparisons will clarify the often complex and bewildering array of conditions associated with liver disease and make it a definitive and indispensable guide for primary care physicians, medical students, and residents.

This is a thoroughly revised edition of a well-received reference work on helminthiases and their impact on worldwide public health. The carefully presented collection covers both common and neglected helminth infections. Readers will discover an up-date overview to helminth epidemiology (including molecular typing), specific biological, immunological and immunopathological aspects, diagnosis and latest perspectives of control. New contributions give particular attention to economic consequences of helminthiases, deworming programs and future public health approaches, as well as most recent findings in host immune responses. Helminths are long-lived multicellular organisms that have co-evolved with humans over many thousands of years. They are responsible for infections which affect around one fourth of the human population, at global level. Despite the huge efforts in research during the last years, effective control of helminth infections is still far from optimal standards and the resulting diseases remain neglected. The highly readable link of parasitological background and clinical application makes this book a valuable read not only for parasitologists but also physicians and medical students, health professionals as well as experts in public health issues. Moreover, all readers concerned with combating neglected parasitoses towards the Sustainable Development Goal SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) will understand the significance of this renewed volume.

This new Edition of A Practical Guide to Clinical Virology has been thoroughly updated and is a practical, highly illustrated, quick reference guide to clinical virology. It brings together the essentials of the subject in a entertaining and informative style, describing in turn the clinical features, the symptoms and signs of each of the viral diseases, as well as summarising the epidemiology, laboratory diagnosis and therapy in each case. This book also includes general chapters such as classification, diagnosis of infection, antiviral drugs, vaccines and different clinical syndromes.

Features include:

• Chapter summaries for quick reference

• Cartoon illustrations

• New chapters on
  Human Herpes Virus 6
  Hepatitis C
  Hepatitis E
  Emerging Viruses
  Polyoma viruses

• Comprehensive coverage

• Clear and concise format

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and infects approximately 75 million individuals worldwide. It is also one of the major causes of liver cancer and liver transplants. The elucidation of the HCV genome, and the development of a whole cell system to study the virus spurred the search for novel direct acting antiviral drugs to cure this disease. This global effort culminated in the development of direct acting antiviral drugs that led to cure rates approaching 100% in all patient populations after only 8-12 weeks of therapy. These efforts resulted in one of the greatest achievements in public health and provides the potential for eliminating HCV as a major disease worldwide. This volume is aimed at a broad audience of academic and industrial scientists interested in the discovery and development of drugs to treat viral diseases and those interested in reading about one of the most unique accomplishments in biomedical research. The volume will provide a one of a kind reference work that highlights the many efforts, from the discovery of the HCV virus, to the invention of breakthrough medicines and their use in the real world to cure patients. It is the companion book to the volume "HCV: The Journey from Discovery to a Cure - Volume II".

Zoonotic diseases pose a serious threat to global health and economy. Domestic and wild birds play crucial roles in transmission and spread of important zoonotic pathogens, with significant implications on human and avian health. Although zoonotic diseases have been extensively studied, information on various aspects of avian zoonotic pathogens have not been revisited or revised to any great extent. This book is a comprehensive and updated compilation of important zoonotic diseases that are transmitted by domestic and wild birds, and consists of 21 chapters that meticulously describe the (i) etiology and evolution, (ii) complex epidemiology, such as migration pathways in context of disease transmission, (iii) pathogenesis, (iv) clinical signs and necropsy findings, (v) diagnostics including latest molecular assays, and (vi) preventative and control strategies, with an emphasis on therapeutics and prophylaxis, of important zoonotic pathogens (bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral) of avian origin in humans and birds. Each chapter is aptly supported by interactive tables and figures, and features an updated reference section. This book aims to create awareness and enlighten students of veterinary and human medicine on the role of birds in zoonoses, and would serve as a useful reference for working veterinarians, human doctors, and public health experts.

This book examines the science, management and practice of the control of infection. The early part of the book is concerned with the science of infection control, providing the underpinning knowledge base as well as information regarding the laboratory services which will be of practical help to the reader. The book then discusses the role of the Infection Control Team, outbreak control and policy issues that are required in order to maintain a safe environment.

The second half of the book concentrates on the practical application of the previously described principles to the reduction of infection risks and management of known infections in a range of clinical and social situations. The book reflects the current dynamics in health care provision and will equip the reader with the knowledge base to develop their skills in the control of infection in a variety of healthcare settings.

This text was developed with the practicing physician in mind, however, it will be of considerable interest to the virologist, pharmacologist, chemist and all scientists interested in antiviral agents.

Progress in the field of antiviral development is now moving rapidly and there is hope that one day there will be successful treatment modalities for most viral diseases. This work contains contributions from experts around the world, capturing worldwide practices.

An online version providing the current status of antiviral research is planned for the near future.

Polymeric Bionanocomposites as Promising Materials for Controlled Drug, by M. Prabaharan, R. Jayakumar; Chitosan and Chitosan Derivatives in Drug Delivery and Tissue Engineering, by R. Riva, H. Ragelle, A. des Rieux, N. Duhem, C. Jerome, and V. Preat; Chitosan: A Promising Biomaterial for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds, by P. K. Dutta, K. Rinki and J. Dutta; Chitosan-Based Biomaterials for Tissue Repair and Regeneration, by X. Liu, L. Ma, Z. Mao and C. Gao; Use of Chitosan as a Bioactive Implant Coating for Bone-Implant Applications, by M. R. Leedy, H. J. Martin, P. A. Norowski, J. A. Jennings, W. O. Haggard, and J.D. Bumgardner; New Techniques for Optimization of Surface Area and Porosity in Nanochitins and Nanochitosans, by R. A. A. Muzzarelli; Production, Properties and Applications of Fungal Cell Wall Polysaccharides: Chitosan and Glucan, by N. New, T. Furuike, and H. Tamura;"

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a group of diseases frequently found in impoverished communities in tropical and sub-tropical countries. The risk for many of the NTDs is high in both deprived urban and rural areas of East Asia. Adapted to the endemic settings and characteristics of the diseases, a range of tools and strategies are currently being rolled out for the large-scale control of many NTDs. Both vector control measures and community sensitization programmes have for example been used to control dengue in urbanized settings. Challenges posed by yaws and lymphatic filariasis are being addressed by mass drug administration, while rabies requires the involvement of the veterinary public health sector for disease control. For leprosy, an elimination target has been defined; however, achieving this goal remains a considerable challenge. Food-borne trematodiases, on the other hand, are emerging and require a deeper understanding of its burden in East Asia and how these diseases can be tackled in a cost-effective manner. Finally, factors, such as an increase of non-communicable diseases due to changing lifestyles which accompany economic growth, the spreading HIV epidemic as well as climate change and the occurrence of natural disasters can potentially affect the epidemiology and control of NTDs. This volume discusses the mentioned topics in detail with contributions by experts in the respective research areas from different working environments.