A History of Infectious Diseases and the Microbial World

Lois N. Magner is Professor Emerita at Purdue University.

A History of Infectious Diseases and the Microbial World offers readers answers to specific questions, as well as the challenge of a narrative that will stimulate their curiosity and encourage them to ask questions about the theory, practice, and assumptions of modern medicine.This work provides a broad introductory overview of the history of major infectious diseases, including their impact on different populations, the recognition of specific causative agents, and the development of methods used to prevent, control, and treat them. By stressing the major themes in the history of disease, this book allows readers to relate modern concerns to historical materials. It places modern developments concerning infectious diseases within their historical context, illuminating the relationships between patterns of disease and social, cultural, political, and economic factors.Upon completing this volume, readers will be prepared to answer contemporary questions concerning the threat of newly-emerging infectious diseases, potentially devastating pandemics, and the threat of bioterrorism. One will gain a precise understanding of the nature of different kinds of pathogens, the unique mechanisms behind disease transmission, and the means used to control, prevent, and treat infectious disease. Although only a few of these deadly illnesses can be addressed in detail, those that are discussed include: malaria, leprosy, bubonic plague, tuberculosis, syphilis, diphtheria, cholera, yellow fever, poliomyelitis, HIV/AIDS, and influenza.

A History of Infectious Diseases and the Microbial World offers readers answers to specific questions, as well as the challenge of a narrative that will stimulate their curiosity and encourage them to ask questions about the theory, practice, and assumptions of modern medicine.

Series ForewordAcknowledgmentsIntroduction: Welcome to the Microbial WorldAbbreviationsChapter One: Disease and History: An OverviewChapter Two: Miasma, Contagion, and the Germ Theory of DiseaseChapter Three: Microbiology and the Foundations of Modern Surgery and TherapyChapter Four: Viruses and Viral DiseasesChapter Five: Sanitary Reform, Public Health, and the Battle against Filth and Epidemic DiseasesChapter Six: The Art and Science of Preventing and Controlling Epidemic DiseasesChapter Seven: Emerging Infectious DiseasesChapter Eight: Biological Weapons and BioterrorismChapter Nine: Infectious Agents and New Concepts: From Chronic Diseases to the MicrobiomeBibliographyIndex