"Infection in the Compromised Host" has become a classic chapter in textbooks devoted to infectious diseases and internal medicine. The numbers of compromised hosts are increasing in the era of modem medicine because of our expanded capabilities to deal with difficult diseases, especially neoplasms. As a consequence, microbiologic complications related to the intensive care administered to these patients are increasing as well. Under these circum stances, not only does the underlying illness create conditions favorable for the development of unusual infections, but often the therapy contributes to the acquisition of potential pathogens that turn into agents responsible for severe and frequently fatal disease. Granulocytopenia and immunosuppression have been the two key fac tors in predisposing patients with cancer and other serious diseases to severe bacterial infections. Colonization by hospital-acquired pathogens and breaks in the anatomic barriers-as a result of disease or medical intervention-have contributed to the high incidence of infectious diseases in these patients. Although there is some overlap between the types of infection in granulocytopenic and immunosuppressed hosts, each ofthese clinical entities has distinctive features thatjustify considering them separately, reserving the term immunocompromised hosts only when refer ring to patients who are predisposed to opportunistic infections. For about two decades, infections in granulocytopenic patients have attracted the atten tion of clinicians because they represent a model for the study of antimicrobial drugs in hosts deprived of an essential element of defense against bacterial infection, that is, an adequate number of normally functioning granulocytes.

This book provides a comprehensive, state-of-the-art review of the concepts vital to a modern treatment of common and opportunistic infections in the immunocompromised host. Chapters are written by experts in the field, and include their views on gaps in the field and future directions of research. This book begins with an overview of the normally functioning immune system followed by a detailed discussion of the major primary immunodeficiencies. Specific chapters are dedicated to providing practical knowledge in the prevention and treatment of infections in specific immunocompromised patients, including those with cancer, transplant recipients, HIV infection, and autoimmune disorders. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic evaluation, antimicrobial selection that includes consideration of the threat of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, and immunotherapy tailored to specific patients. Finally, dedicated chapters on stem cell transplantation for patients with primary immunodeficiencies, adoptive cellular immunotherapy, and gene therapy will provide readers with insight into these rapidly evolving and cutting edge therapies.Management of Infections in the Immunocompromised Host is a valuable resource for infectious diseases specialists, immunologists, oncologists, hematologists, general physicians, students, researchers, and all other working with immunocompromised patients.

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.

At the beginning of the new millennium, it is opportune to raveling of the molecular pathways of impaired host - review what has been accomplished in the field of infec- fense mechanisms and the characterization of the genetic tious diseases during the last decades of the previous mutations involved, with the prospect of novel strategies century. The paradigm of the immunocompromised host for therapeutic interventions and possible corrective gene has taught much about the pathophysiology of infectious therapy. In this foreword, I will take a helicopter view of diseases, particularly with regard to immunological as- the various aspects of host defense mechanisms with pects of host defense. In the beginning, Robert Good special emphasis on genetic factors, because of their re- called immunodeficiency syndromes “experiments of na- vance for the course and outcome of infections. ture. ” In the 1960s and subsequent decades, the clinical During life, there exist phases of age-related c- and immunological aspects of immune deficiencies were promised immune functions. After birth there is a phys- studied and adequate treatment attempted. A reflection of logical immune deficiency because the production of an- these developments were the three successful meetings on bodies commences slowly upon contact of the neonate these topics in Veldhoven, The Netherlands (1980), Stir- with microorganisms and upon vaccination.

THE ESSENTIAL WORK IN TRAVEL MEDICINE -- NOW COMPLETELY UPDATED FOR 2018 As unprecedented numbers of travelers cross international borders each day, the need for up-to-date, practical information about the health challenges posed by travel has never been greater. For both international travelers and the health professionals who care for them, the CDC Yellow Book 2018: Health Information for International Travel is the definitive guide to staying safe and healthy anywhere in the world. The fully revised and updated 2018 edition codifies the U.S. government's most current health guidelines and information for international travelers, including pretravel vaccine recommendations, destination-specific health advice, and easy-to-reference maps, tables, and charts. The 2018 Yellow Book also addresses the needs of specific types of travelers, with dedicated sections on: · Precautions for pregnant travelers, immunocompromised travelers, and travelers with disabilities · Special considerations for newly arrived adoptees, immigrants, and refugees · Practical tips for last-minute or resource-limited travelers · Advice for air crews, humanitarian workers, missionaries, and others who provide care and support overseas Authored by a team of the world's most esteemed travel medicine experts, the Yellow Book is an essential resource for travelers -- and the clinicians overseeing their care -- at home and abroad.

Humans coexist with millions of harmless microorganisms, but emerging diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and the threat of bioterrorism are forcing scientists to look for new ways to confront the microbes that do pose a danger. This report identifies innovative approaches to the development of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines based on a greater understanding of how the human immune system interacts with both good and bad microbes. The report concludes that the development of a single superdrug to fight all infectious agents is unrealistic.

As with the successful first edition, the new edition of Microbiology: A Clinical Approach is written specifically for pre-nursing and allied health students. It is clinically-relevant throughout and uses the theme of infection as its foundation. Microbiology is student-friendly: its text, figures, and electronic resources have been carefully desig

Viral respiratory tract infections are important and common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the past two decades, several novel viral respiratory infections have emerged with epidemic potential that threaten global health security. This Monograph aims to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome and other viral respiratory infections, including seasonal influenza, avian influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and human rhinovirus, through six chapters written by authoritative experts from around the globe.

Infections in the Immunosuppressed Patient offers an illustrated, case-based matrix for treatment of infections across all types of immunosuppressed patients. As the challenges of managing these infections continues to evolve, this collection offers lucid, authoritative guidance to diagnosing and treating these infections effectively. Comprising 81 cases from leading experts across specialties, this collection offers a guide to both common and uncommon presentations of infections in: · Cancer patients · Solid-organ transplant recipients · Stem-cell recipients · Patients on immunosuppressive drugs · Patients with other immunosuppressive conditions Supplemented with rich color illustrations and insights from more than 100 experts, Infections in the Immunosuppressed Patient is the new benchmark reference work for treatment of these difficult cases.