Antibiotic resistance, once a term appreciated only by microbiologists, has become a common topic in the popular press. Stuart Levy, one of the contributors to this collection, bears some of the responsibility for increasing public awareness with the publication of his book "The Antibiotic Paradox" in 1992: Misuse of antibiotics resulting in increased bacterial resistance had previously been recognized in the infectious disease community. However, Dr. Levy's eloquent public warning about the shrinking efficacy of our antibi otic armamentarium served to alert the lay person to the potential consequences of this de mise in useful therapy. Because of the proliferation of diverse antibiotic classes with increasing potency and broader activity spectra, it had been assumed that any ordinary bacterial infection could be eradicated with the proper selection of drug. However, it has become evident that we are surrounded by resistant bacteria, many of which were introduced unwittingly into our en vironment through the unnecessary use of antibiotics. When it became evident that a number of people were returning for multiple visits to their family physicians for persist ent ear infections or non-responsive bronchitis, questions were raised about the antibiotic treatments that were being prescribed. Bacteria resistant to common antibiotic regimens were being isolated more frequently, often as organisms classified as "multi-resistant" with decreased susceptibilities to two or more structural classes of agents. Nosocomial spread of these resistances was aided by the transmission of plasmid-mediated resistance factors between species.

The discovery of antibiotics heralded medicine's triumph over previously fatal diseases that once destroyed entire civilizations - thus earning their reputation as miracle drugs. But today, the terrifying reality of antibiotic-resistant bacteria resulting from our widespread misuse of antibiotics forewarns us that the miracle may be coming to an end. The seemingly innocent consumer who demands antibiotics to treat nonbacterial diseases such as the common cold or plays doctor by saving old prescriptions for later use is paving the way for a future of antibiotic failure. "What harm can it do?" is a popular refrain of people worldwide as they pop another antibiotic pill. Dr. Stuart Levy - the leading international expert on hazards of antibiotic misuse - reveals how this cavalier and naive attitude about the power of antibiotics can have deadly consequences. He explains that we are presently witnessing a massive evolutionary change in bacteria. This build-up of new antibiotic-resistant bacteria in individuals and the environment worldwide is an insidious and silent process. Thus, unwittingly consumers encounter resistant bacteria in their meat, poultry, fish, and vegetables. Unregulated dispensing of antibiotics in poorer countries breeds countless more resistant strains. Since bacteria recognize no geographical boundaries, resistant forms can travel the globe. If this trend continues to grow unchecked, we may someday find that all of our antibiotics are obsolete. Today doctors can no longer expect that their first choice of antibiotic for women's urinary tract infections or children's ear infections will work. Similarly, cancer therapy is rendered useless if patients are unable to fight infections that are sometimes resistant to eight to ten different drugs. In developing countries, people are now dying of previously treatable diseases that are no longer responsive to traditional antibiotics. These problems are just a harbinger of what will come if we do not act now. Dr. Levy, recognized by The New Yorker for his superb contributions to this field, is sending out an urgent message that the world cannot afford to ignore any longer. The goal of this unprecedented investigation into the dangers of antibiotic misuse is to protect the world community from resistant infections and ensure the success of antibiotics for generations to come

The tradition of setting new trends in medicinal chemistry continued at the 13th Symposium where topics included chemical and biological diversity, new paradigms in drug action, and new insights in receptor mechanisms. Other topics of great interest discussed, and included in these proceedings, are the discoveries in green chemistry, the interface between organic synthesis and biosynthesis, the growing problem of resistant micro-organisms and the possibilities to identify new, and better, antibiotics. And finally, in recent developments, the discovery of small molecules with insulin sensitizing properties.

Health care is clearly in transition -- but to where? Managed or unmanaged care? HMO's or not? Are insurance companies and hospitals the enemy of health care for their own patients? What about the 40,000,000 uninsured in America? Don't ask the patients, for they have become the ping-pong balls in the health care game. This book examines important issues in this ever-growing maze.

This volume covers all aspects of the antibiotic discovery and development process through Phase II/III. The contributors, a group of highly experienced individuals in both academics and industry, include chapters on the need for new antibiotic compounds, strategies for screening for new antibiotics, sources of novel synthetic and natural antibiotics, discovery phases of lead development and optimization, and candidate compound nominations into development. Beyond discovery , the handbook will cover all of the studies to prepare for IND submission: Phase I (safety and dose ranging), progression to Phase II (efficacy), and Phase III (capturing desired initial indications). This book walks the reader through all aspects of the process, which has never been done before in a single reference. With the rise of antibiotic resistance and the increasing view that a crisis may be looming in infectious diseases, there are strong signs of renewed emphasis in antibiotic research. The purpose of the handbook is to offer a detailed overview of all aspects of the problem posed by antibiotic discovery and development.

Designed for quick, easy comprehension, this handbook reference will assist medical students in understanding the rationale behind antibiotic selection for common bacterial pathogens and infectious disease presentations. By supplying the rationale for choosing antibiotics, the book reduces the amount of memorization necessary for proper antibiotic prescribing. The book is heavily illustrated with two-color figures and includes fact-anecdotes, interesting ancillary information, mnemonics, and questions to test understanding. Appendices include dosing in adults and children; antibacterial agents in pregnancy; generic and trade names of commonly used antibacterial agents; and treatment of infections caused by bacterial agents of bioterrorism.

Advances that open new avenues in developing aminoglycoside antibiotics During the last twenty years, there have been numerous advances in the understanding of the chemistry, biochemistry, and recognition of aminoglycosides. This has led to the development of novel antibiotics and opened up new therapeutic targets for intervention. This is the first book to provide a complete overview of recent advances in the field and explore their tremendous potential for drug discovery and rational drug design. With chapters written by one or more leading experts in their specialty areas, the book addresses the chemistry, biology, and toxicology of aminoglycosides. Aminoglycoside Antibiotics: From Chemical Biology to Drug Discovery is a great resource for academic and industrial researchers in drug design and mechanism studies and for researchers studying antibiotic resistance, antibiotic design and synthesis, and the discovery of novel pharmaceuticals. It is also a valuable reference for graduate students in pharmacy, pharmaceutical science, biophysics, medicinal chemistry, and chemical biology.

Focuses on combating bacterial pathogens by understanding their strategies of defense! Each chapter begins with a summary of concepts, so those not actively working in the field gain an overall picture of what follows! Highlights antibiotic resistance in pathogens that poses the greatest threat to human health! Containing nearly 2000 references for additional research, Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobials discusses the ecology of drug resistance genes, acquired response, and selection in natural bacterial populations describes global response systems that are a basis of resistance details antibiotic modification, inactivation, and host target modification as means of resistance development considers efflux mechanisms, one of the major causes of multidrug resistance covers concepts for developing therapies against multidrug resistant organisms emphasizes the structural basis of lactamases and other enzymes involved in inactivation of antibiotics surveys the epidemiology of methicillin resistance among nosocomial isolates and community-acquired strains outlines molecular detection methods for mainstream diagnostic tests assesses the promise of modern genomics to identify novel targets for drug discovery screening Presenting the molecular basis, methods of detection and identification, and concepts for reducing the development and spread of resistant bacterial strains, Bacterial Resistance to Antimicrobials is an excellent reference for microbiologists, pharmacists, public health officials, infectious disease specialists, organic and medicinal chemists, and upper-level undergraduate and graduate students in these disciplines.

Comprehensive in scope, yet concise and easy to manage, Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, 5th Edition, by Drs. Sarah Long, Charles Prober, and Marc Fischer, is your go-to resource for authoritative information on infectious diseases in children and adolescents. A veritable "who's who" of global authorities provides the practical knowledge you need to understand, diagnose, and manage almost any pediatric infectious disease you may encounter. Features a consistent, easy-access format with high-yield information boxes, highlighted key points, and an abundance of detailed illustrations and at-a-glance tables. Allows quick look-up by clinical presentation, pathogen, or type of host. Includes coverage of the latest vaccine products, recommendations, and effectiveness as well as expanded diagnostics and therapies for autoinflammatory/periodic fever syndromes. Covers emerging viruses such as Zika, Ebola, and EV-D68, as well as infectious risks of immunomodulating drugs and expanding antimicrobial resistance patterns. Discusses expanding antimicrobial resistance patterns and new therapies for viral and fungal infections and resistant bacterial infections. Expert Consult eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, images, videos (including video updates), glossary, and references from the book on a variety of devices.

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 any 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 ID resource. Apply the latest knowledge with updated 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 expanded global insights from an expanded team of American and International contributors. Martin Blaser, MD, a leading expert and Muriel G. and George W. Singer Professional of Translational Medicine at New York University School of Medicine, joins veteran PPID editors John E. Bennett, MD, and Raphael Dolin, MD to continue a legacy of excellence. Find and grasp the information you need easily and rapidly with newly added chapter summaries.