Light-emitting diodes (LED) have been developed to offer the benefits of fluorescence microscopy without the associated costs. In 2009, the evidence for the efficacy of LED microscopy was assessed by the World Health Organization, on the basis of standards appropriate for evaluating both the accuracy and the effect of new TB diagnostics on patients and public health. The results showed that the accuracy of LED microscopy was equivalent to that of international reference standards, it was more sensitive than conventional Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy and it had qualitative, operational and cost advantages over both conventional fluorescence and Ziehl-Neelsen microscopy. On the basis of these findings, WHO recommends that conventional fluorescence microscopy be replaced by LED microscopy, and that LED microscopy be phased in as an alternative for conventional Ziehl-Neelsen light microscopy.

This book covers all the aspects related to the laboratory diagnosis of Mycobacterium. Laboratory diagnosis includes microscopic to advance molecular diagnosis. Moreover, it deals with the methods used to detect antimycobacterial susceptibility tests and drug resistance. Chapters cover most potential methods and techniques from traditional to advanced future diagnostics for identifying tuberculosis, NTM, and latent TB infections. Also discussed the challenges and opportunities in the diagnostic science of infectious disease. This book offers assistance to students, postgraduate medical students, researchers, medical practitioners, postdoctoral fellows, microbiologists, nurses, and public health officers working in tuberculosis control programs to understand various modalities for diagnosis and drug-resistance tuberculosis.

Key Features ? The book is a compilation of various facets of imaging in tuberculosis with special emphasis on its clinicopathological correlation ? Also covers important aspects of tuberculosis like epidemiology, clinical perspective and management ? Includes designated chapters on extrapulmonary tuberculosis involving the central nervous system, spine, head and neck, lymph nodes, abdomen, urogenital system and bones and joints ? Written by experts well known for their academic inclination and capability ? The book is a valuable resource for pulmonologists, physicians and postgraduate students.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a disease that is transmitted through aerosol. This is the reason why it is estimated that a third of humankind is already infected by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The vast majority of the infected do not know about their status. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a silent pathogen, causing no symptomatology at all during the infection. In addition, infected people cannot cause further infections. Unfortunately, an estimated 10 per cent of the infected population has the probability to develop the disease, making it very difficult to eradicate. Once in this stage, the bacilli can be transmitted to other persons and the development of clinical symptoms is very progressive. Therefore the diagnosis, especially the discrimination between infection and disease, is a real challenge. In this book, we present the experience of worldwide specialists on the diagnosis, along with its lights and shadows.

Can today's innovative practices and molecular tools tame this ancient disease? One third of the world's population is infected with tuberculosis (TB), with about 10 million new cases annually. To combat TB and its agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the World Health Organization launched The End TB Strategy, which aims to slash the suffering and cost of TB by 2035. This makes the second edition of Tuberculosis and the Tubercle Bacillus, edited by Jacobs, McShane, Mizrahi, and Orme, an extremely valuable resource for scientists and clinicians. The editors have gathered their colleagues from around the world to present the latest on the molecular biology of M. tuberculosis and related species, the host-pathogen interactions that enable invasion, and the host's immune response to M. tuberculosis infection. The basic, clinical, and translational research presented in this book supports the goals of WHO's End TB Strategy by driving toward the development of effective vaccines, rapid molecular diagnostics, and anti-TB drugs. Creating an effective tuberculosis vaccine. Understand the innate and adaptive immune response to M. tuberculosis infection, its study in established animal models, and how this information is being used to develop new vaccines against TB. Formulating new antituberculosis drugs. Learn the challenges and methods for evaluating new drugs in preclinical trials with a focus on drugs that work against "persisters" and those that act on the electron transport complex and ATP synthase of M. tuberculosis. Overcoming the challenges of diagnosing tuberculosis. Review new diagnostic tools that are simple, rapid, affordable, specific, sensitive, and safe, including molecular-based diagnostic methods such as GeneXpert MTB/RIF. Using molecular, genomic, and bioinformatics tools to understand the biology and evolution of Mycobacterium. Explore current research on the molecular mechanisms that M. tuberculosis uses to evade the immune system, enter a state of nonreplicating persistence, and become reactivated. The second edition of Tuberculosis and the Tubercle Bacillus presents the latest research on a microorganism that is exquisitely well adapted to its human host. This pathogen continues to confound scientists, clinicians, and public health specialists, who will all find much valuable information in this comprehensive set of reviews.

Tuberculosis is a global health threat and the unique features of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and emergence of drug-resistant strains highlight the challenge it presents. Covering a wealth of state-of-the-art knowledge from active international experts, this book captures the latest developments in the advent of bacteriological, immunological and molecular tools for diagnosis and the development of new drugs. It shows how the challenge of tuberculosis is currently being met, providing insight into the evidence base underlying new developments in diagnosis, drug development and treatment.

After thirty five years, Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 8th Edition is still the reference of choice for comprehensive, global guidance on diagnosing and treating the most challenging infectious diseases. Drs. John E. Bennett and Raphael Dolin along with new editorial team member Dr. Martin Blaser have meticulously updated this latest edition to save you time and to ensure you have the latest clinical and scientific knowledge at your fingertips. With new chapters, expanded and updated coverage, increased worldwide perspectives, and many new contributors, Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 8th Edition helps you identify and treat whatever infectious disease you see. Get the answers to questions you have with more in-depth coverage of epidemiology, etiology, pathology, microbiology, immunology, and treatment of infectious agents than you'll find in any other infectious disease resource. Find the latest diagnoses and treatments for currently recognized and newly emerging infectious diseases, such as those caused by avian and swine influenza viruses. Put the latest knowledge to work in your practice with new or completely revised chapters on influenza (new pandemic strains); new Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) virus; probiotics; antibiotics for resistant bacteria; antifungal drugs; new antivirals for hepatitis B and C; Clostridium difficile treatment; sepsis; advances in HIV prevention and treatment; viral gastroenteritis; Lyme disease; Helicobacter pylori; malaria; infections in immunocompromised hosts; immunization (new vaccines and new recommendations); and microbiome. Benefit from fresh perspectives and global insights from an expanded team of international contributors. Find and grasp the information you need easily and rapidly with newly added chapter summaries. These bulleted templates include diagnosis, therapy, and prevention and are designed as a quick summary of the chapter and to enhance relevancy in search and retrieval on Expert Consult. Stay current on Expert Consult with a thorough and regularly scheduled update program that ensures access to new developments in the field, advances in therapy, and timely information. Access the information you need easily and rapidly with new succinct chapter summaries that include diagnosis, therapy, and prevention. Experience clinical scenarios with vivid clarity through a richly illustrated, full-color format that includes 1500 photographs for enhanced visual guidance.

Tuberculosis is an ancient disease with a high incidence and mortality rate, unequally distributed worldwide. Epidemiological indicators, but also risk factors, play a key role in the natural history of the disease and need to be regulary addressed. Low and middle income countries are not prepared for appropriate response and are also the most affected. The incidence of this extrapulmonary disease is far from being clearly established. Epidemiological studies in different geographical areas will help in this field.

In recent years, advanced molecular techniques in diagnostic microbiology have been revolutionizing the practice of clinical microbiology in the hospital setting. Molecular diagnostic testing in general and nucleic acid-based amplification methods in particular have been heralded as diagnostic tools for the new millennium. This third edition covers not only the most recent updates and advances, but details newly invented omic techniques, such as next generation sequencing. It is divided into two distinct volumes, with Volume 1 describing the techniques, and Volume 2 addressing their applications in the field. In addition, both volumes focus more so on the clinical relevance of the test results generated by these techniques than previous editions.

The Handbook of Child and Adolescent Tuberculosis is a state-of-the-art clinical reference written and edited by the world's leading experts in childhood tuberculosis. It offers clinicians in any geography or setting practical, evidence-based advice on all aspects of the disease, including its natural history, epidemiology, presentation, treatment, and prevention -- all in a format that synthesizes literature with the clinical experience of the leading authorities in this challenging field.