"Because cancer takes a wide variety of forms, many different drugs are used to treat it, and some are designed to combat specific cancer types. This book explains how cancer drugs work and looks at the ongoing effort to develop new and better anti-cancer drugs"--Publisher description

Anthrax became a household word in 2001 when spores of the bacterium were delivered via the U.S. postal service by terrorists. The very mention of anthrax has the potential to set off a panic, but what is anthrax, what are its symptoms, and why is it so dangerous? ""Anthrax, Second Edition"" looks at the history of this deadly disease, from biblical times to the present, and investigates possible treatments to protect humans against it. This revised edition provides relevant, up-to-date information about anthrax and what doctors and scientists are doing to combat this threat.The chapters include: A Cloud of Death; The Fifth Plague; Human Anthrax; Deadly Letters (Outbreak 2001); Diagnosing and Treating Anthrax; Anthrax Vaccine; and Anthrax and Bioterrorism.

Until the middle of the 20th century, polio affected people all over the world. The disease, caused by a virus in the genus Enterovirus, often left its survivors with weakened muscles or varying degrees of paralysis. In their later years, many once-healthy survivors experienced a condition known as post-polio syndrome. Once effective vaccines were developed, polio was eradicated in the United States and other countries, although it still remains a threat in many developing areas. This revised edition of ""Polio"" contains new illustrations and updated coverage of all aspects of this disease, including the latest vaccination information, world outbreak and immunization statistics, and a progress report on international efforts to eradicate polio.The chapters include: The History of Polio; The Transmission of Polio and How It Affects the Body;Vaccines and How They Work; Just When We Thought It Was Safe: Post-Polio SyndromeWhat Lies Ahead? And, The Future of Polio.

Often called the 'kissing disease' due to its transmission through saliva, mononucleosis is a disease caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Many are familiar with mononucleosis, by either having suffered from it themselves or knowing a friend who has. ""Mononucleosis, Second Edition"" explores the microbiology of the virus as well as treatment and prevention options. This revised edition provides updated information on current research and treatments as well as new illustrations. The chapters include: Infectious Mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr Virus, The Discovery of Epstein-Barr Virus, The Life of Epstein-Barr Virus, Immune System Response to Epstein-Barr Virus, Signs and Symptoms, Diagnosis of Infectious Mononucleosis, Treatments for Infectious Mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr Virus and Cancer, and, Epstein-Barr Virus and Other Diseases.

Tuberculosis is a serious infection caused most commonly by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium or one of three other organisms of the Mycobacterium genus. Tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, but the infection can attack any part of the body. If left untreated, tuberculosis can cause lung damage, meningitis, and even death; the World Health Organization reported 1.3 million deaths due to tuberculosis in 2008. Those at highest risk for tuberculosis include those with weakened immune systems and those in areas of the world with poor nutrition and poor access to health care. Most cases of tuberculosis can be treated with a combination of medications that are taken for several months, but failure by many people to fully follow their course of treatment has led to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis bacteria. Tuberculosis, Second Edition covers the history, causes, and treatments of this potentially deadly disease.

Hepatitis means an inflammation of the liver, but it also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. There are several types of viral hepatitis, but the most common are A, B, and C. Viral hepatitis is spread through contact with infected blood, bodily fluids, or feces, though it may also result from alcohol and drug use or from other diseases. Acute hepatitis refers to the initial infection and can be mild or severe; chronic hepatitis refers to a serious condition in which the infection lasts six months or longer. Currently, vaccines are available for the prevention of hepatitis A and B viruses. This second edition of Hepatitis delves into the history, causes, and current treatments for this disease, giving valuable information to student researchers.

Foreword by David Heymann, World Health Organization

Chapters include:

The Phases of Hepatitis

Symptoms of Hepatitis

Inflammation and Immune Response

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis C

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium carried by ticks. Early Lyme disease symptoms are flu-like, including fatigue, sore throat, swollen lymph glands, and neck and back pain. A red rash can also occur. After the bacteria spreads through the body, additional symptoms may include joint and muscle pain, and meningitis, Bell's palsy, and nervous system involvement may arise. Most cases of Lyme disease can be treated with a course of antibiotics, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and prevention includes using insect repellant and removing ticks promptly from skin and clothing. This new edition of Lyme Disease covers the latest research known about the disease, its treatment, and its effects on the human body.

Chapters and topics include:

An Introduction to Lyme Disease

The History of Lyme Disease

The Bacteria

The Tick

Ecology

Lyme Disease Epidemiology

The Tests and Treatments for Lyme Disease

Prevention

Cocaine is a powerfully addictive central nervous system stimulant that can be smoked, injected, rubbed into the gums, or snorted. Crack cocaine is a cheaper form of cocaine that is mixed with ammonia or baking soda and water and then heated. Cocaine has a direct effect on the nervous system, increasing the available amounts of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and glutamate, which leads to pleasurable sensations, changes in behavior, and development of addiction with continued use. Addiction does not necessarily develop after an individual's first exposure to cocaine or crack, but thanks to the powerful feelings of euphoria and stimulation, a large number of first-time users go on to continue their use, often to the point of addiction. Cocaine and Crack discusses the nature of cocaine and crack addiction, how it affects one's health, and how it can be treated.