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.
Mycobacteria are bacterial pathogens which cause diseases in humans and non-human animals. This monograph will primarily cover the most important and widely researched groups of mycobacteria: members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) and Mycobacterium leprae, across a wide range of host species. M. tuberculosis and M. bovis are particularly relevant with the increasing drug resistance and co-infection with HIV associated with M. tuberculosis and the possible cross-infection of badgers and cattle associated with M. bovis. This book will provide a reference for researchers working in different fields creating a work which draws together information on different pathogens, and by considering the diseases in a zoonotic context provides a One Health approach to these important groups of diseases.
A major objective of this open access book is to summarize the current status of Buruli Ulcer (BU) research for the first time. It will identify gaps in our knowledge, stimulate research and support control of the disease by providing insight into approaches for surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment of Buruli Ulcer. Book chapters will cover the history, epidemiology diagnosis, treatment and disease burden of BU and provide insight into the microbiology, genomics, transmission and virulence of Mycobacterium ulcerans.
This well-illustrated book is a comprehensive guide to the cutaneous clinical presentations of mycobacterial infections. The Mycobacterium genus includes over 170 species, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) having been added to the obligate human pathogens such as M. tuberculosis and M. leprae. NTM are widely distributed in the environment with high isolation rates worldwide; the skin is a major target with variable clinical manifestations. A current resurgence in tuberculosis is aggravated by the synergy with human immunodeficiency virus, the breakdown of health care systems, and the rise in multidrug-resistant disease, as the incidence of leprosy remains stable, at around 250,000 new cases annually, regardless of effective antibiotic therapy. Presentations of various cutaneous infections caused by mycobacteria may be overlooked by clinicians owing the lack of familiarity with tuberculosis, leprosy, and the related NTM clinical features. This handy guide will help the dermatologist to spot the different clinical manifestations, make a prompt diagnosis, and apply effective treatment.
Johne's Disease is a chronic, progressive intestinal disease caused by infection with Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) that affects primarily ruminant animals. In recent decades there has been growing concern over the lack of effective control of this disease and questions have arisen regarding the possibility that Map infection could be a cause of some cases of Crohn's disease in humans. This report presents a broad outline of the steps that should be taken to control Johne's disease, reduce the spread of Map, and minimize effects of the disease in animals. The report also describes the weaknesses of our current research agenda and provides recommendations for a new research strategy to resolve the question of whether there is a link between Johne's and Crohn's diseases.
This book, primarily focussing on parasitic diseases of cats and dogs, is designed specifically for veterinary nurses and students and adopts an enquiry based approach essential for consolidating knowledge and a deep practical understanding of this important subject. The book goes beyond the conventional discourse of parasitology books, with each chapter addressing questions commonly posed by clients. It is illustrated throughout with colour figures and readers can assess their knowledge and areas for development by completing the end of chapter self-assessment questions. In this way, the veterinary nurse will be fully equipped to professionally support veterinary surgeons in achieving optimal strategies for management of parasitic diseases of companion animals. Provides a unique enquiry-based approach to assist veterinary nurses and technicians in gaining essential knowledge and practical understanding of parasites. Contains self-assessment MCQ sections designed to encourage the reader to question their practice, rationales, and the evidence base of parasitology care delivery they provide to patients. Focuses on the dog and cat, the most commonly seen pets.
This fascinating new volume comes complete with color illustrations and features the methodology and main achievements in the emerging field of paleomicrobiology. It’s an area research at the intersection of microbiology and evolution, history and anthropology. New molecular approaches have already provided exciting results, such as confirmation of a single biotype of Yersinia pestis as the cause of historical plague pandemics. An absorbing read for scientists in related fields.
This book recounts the biology of M. bovis, followed by the status of bovine Tuberculosis (bTB) in African countries, primarily based on zoonotic and epidemiological field reports. Since the accumulation of data is valueless unless it led to practicable control measures, emphasis is put on locally adapted protocols for future control of the disease. In order to systematically evaluate the knowledge base of bTB, Epidemiologic Problem Oriented Approach (EPOA) methodology was used. The methodology is composed of two triads: i) the problem identification/characterization triad, which is mainly descriptive in nature, and ii) the problem management/solution/mitigation triad, which is mainly geared toward problem management/solution (see figure). The first triad comprises three pillars: i) agent ii) host, and iii) environment and the second one: i) therapeutics/treatment, ii) prevention/control, and iii) health maintenance/promotion. The two triads are linked together by the diagnostic procedure linkage. The systematic and detailed studies of the ‘Host-Agent-Environment’ interactions are the building blocks to the understanding of agent transmission pathways and disease spread. These may include data about the disease status of the country, the nature of the disease agent and its hosts, the modes of transmission, the wildlife reservoirs in nature, persistence of infection, and agent survival in animal products and the environment. The problem identification and characterization triad identifies these interactions. Once a problem has been identified and well understood, the next step is to minimize the risk of transmission and spread of a disease. This area, referred to as problem solution/management triad, consists of problem management alternatives that rely upon prevention/control, and health maintenance/promotion of the disease in livestock, wildlife, and humans with the emphasis on resource-poor, developing countries in Africa.
This book is contemporary, topical and global in its approach, and provides an essential, comprehensive treatise on bovine tuberculosis and the bacterium that causes it, Mycobacterium bovis. Bovine tuberculosis remains a major cause of economic loss in cattle industries worldwide, exacerbated in some countries by the presence of a substantial wildlife reservoir. It is a major zoonosis, causing human infection through consumption of unpasteurised milk or by close contact with infected animals. Following a systematic approach, expert international authors cover epidemiology and the global situation; microbial virulence and pathogenesis; host responses to the pathogen; and diagnosis and control of the disease. Aimed at researchers and practising veterinarians, this book is essential for those needing comprehensive information on the pathogen and disease, and offers a summary of key information learned from human tuberculosis research. It will be useful to those studying the infection and for those responsible for controlling the disease.
Provides wildlife professionals with cutting-edge scientific information on the most damaging and newly emerging wildlife diseases. Wildlife diseases and their implications are at the forefront of many sectors of scientific endeavor, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nearly 60 percent of all human diseases and 75 percent of all emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. Edited by pioneering wildlife veterinarians David A. Jessup and Robin W. Radcliffe, Wildlife Disease and Health in Conservation explores the origins and impacts of as well as the responses to the most damaging and persistent diseases currently threatening wildlife conservation. Focusing mainly on newer, invasive, and controversial wildlife health challenges, this book also reexamines classic diseases that provide warnings and important lessons for wildlife professionals and policy makers. Each chapter offers cutting-edge scientific information and extensive references to help readers plan for, respond to, and conduct research on these serious health challenges. This book: • Reports crucial findings on newly emerging diseases and how to recognize and manage them • Explores the health of critical but often neglected aquatic ecosystems, including both vertebrate and invertebrate examples • Covers a vast diversity of wildlife health threats, from epizootic bighorn sheep pneumonia and African swine fever to sea star wasting disease, avian influenza, and rabbit hemorrhagic disease • Explains zoonotic dangers to humans, including coronaviruses • Includes information on marine and aquatic species, wild ungulate species, carnivores and omnivores, birds, and more • Provides insight into the social, legal, financial, and political factors that may override or influence conservation priorities in response to biomedical challenges Featuring detailed and attractive field notes–style illustrations by Laura Donohue and essential essays from experts in the field, Wildlife Disease and Health in Conservation combines theory and practice to inform and inspire wildlife health and conservation.
