Infectious diseases have played a dominant role in the history of human disease and medical care. This volume provides essential, accessible information on scores of infectious diseases, their spread through populations, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment. The text, organized alphabetically, spotlights how infectious diseases have influenced key aspects of human civilization. How the human body defends itself against contagion is also the subject of articles. Which components of the immune system interact to fight certain diseases? How do they triumph -- or fail? Other entries explore bioterrorism, the difference between viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, HIV/AIDs, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, public health, hygiene, and disease control, and new techniques for the diagnosis of infections. What can be done to avoid and prevent infections is also addressed. This second supplement to the Human Diseases and Conditions is published in collaboration with a medical board from the Nemours Foundation of the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware. It includes about 75 articles and more than 60 photos and illustrations. (20000701)
Amazon Sales Rank: #3484848 in Books Published on: 2003-08-12 Original language: English Number of items: 1 Binding: Hardcover 472 pages
From School Library Journal Grade 6 Up-While there is a plethora of print and electronic sources available on medical topics, this set was written with young adults in mind. The entries cover a wide range of topics from acne to stress, breast cancer to tuberculosis-diseases and conditions that this age group is personally interested in or frequently assigned. Less common ailments such as Marfan syndrome, Chagas' disease, and Ebola virus are also covered. The articles are easy to read; some, such as the one on diabetes, are quite lengthy; others briefly cover causes, symptoms, and treatment. Sidebars provide additional facts and definitions. Most of the entries mention at least one other resource, and many note several books and/or organizations and pertinent Internet addresses. Lots of color photographs, illustrations, and diagrams enhance the text. A bibliography and a comprehensive index are found in the third volume. A good starting point for research papers and equally useful to answer quick questions. Jo-Anne Weinberg, Greenburgh Public Library, NY Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Library Journal This handsomely produced and authoritatively written encyclopedia was published in association with the Center for Children's Health Media at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE. Almost 300 diseases and conditions are included (with an equal number of color photographs, charts, and illustrations), covering such topics as cleft palate, kuru, obsessive-compulsive disorder, slipped disk, and typhoid fever. Reasons for the inclusion or omission of a topic are not given. Each entry, ranging in length from one to eight pages, contains information on natural history, causes, cures, and prevention, when appropriate. Lengthier entries include sidebars consisting of bibliographies, See references, definitions of unusual words, suggested keywords for searching the Internet and print sources, and pronunciation guides. Highlights of the history of medicine are scattered throughout, and a number of lavishly illustrated parasitic diseases are presented. There is a comprehensive index and a brief but current bibliography. Children and teenagers are obviously the intended audience, though any adult would find this book valuable. By comparison, the 17-volume Encyclopedia of Family Health (LJ 3/15/98) is twice the cost, and though it contains 800 entries and is also aimed at a general audience, it is not as scientifically based. Any school or public library that can afford Human Diseases and Conditions could not go wrong in purchasing it.-Martha E. Stone, Massachusetts General Hosp. Lib., Boston Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist This latest supplement to Human Diseases and Conditions (Gale, 2000), designed to be accessible to both adults and students at the middle school level and up, will help users understand the process of infection as well as specific diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. The editors are physicians affiliated with the Center for Children's Health Media and the Nemours Foundation of the Alfred I. Dupont Hospital for Children.The volume begins with a series of essays that examines the impact of infectious diseases in history and explains germ theory, diagnosis, treatment, laboratory tests, drugs, public health, and immunization/vaccination. These essays are extremely useful because the explanations are so clear. Readers will learn about Koch's Postulates (used to identify germs as the causes of particular illnesses) and gain a basic understanding of the complex process of immunity. Approximately 100 alphabetical entries follow, covering specific diseases (AIDS, measles, pinworm infestation), general types of infection (sepsis, zoonoses, skin and soft tissue infections), and related topics (bioterrorism, immune deficiencies). The disease entries define the illness and then explain how it is transmitted, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, duration, possible complications, and prevention. The page layout, featuring wide, colored margins that contain glossary terms, see references, and keywords for Internet searches, helps readers find information quickly. Sidebars with related information and historical tidbits enliven the text. Color illustrations and maps showing disease prevalence help users understand the concepts. All of the entries have brief resource lists of organizations and Web sites. A bibliography of recent books and articles and a cumulative index for the full set appear at the end of the book.Although readers seeking detailed information about a specific disease will need to consult other sources, this volume provides an excellent introduction to the concept of infection. Libraries that own Human Diseases and Conditions will want to add the supplement. Those that do not have the whole set will find it useful as a stand-alone resource. It is highly recommended for school, public, and consumer-health libraries. RBBCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved
Most helpful customer reviews 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. A MUST FOR THE FAMILY LIBRARY, SCHOOLS AND CLINICS By A Customer Human Diseases and Conditions is an up to date, comprehensive and readable encyclopedia of information thoroughly covering issues of mental and emotional health, addiction and compulsive disorders and related topics. It includes community resources, websites and other relevant references for kids, adolescents, and families who need more information and support. It is a must for the family library, schools and clinics, and any organization that serves families. See all 1 customer reviews...