The Infectious Microbe Illustrated Edition (2014) (PDF) by William Firshein

Description

Of the innumerable ways that science and humanity interact, few are as central or as significant as our interaction with microorganisms. Though these single-celled and “complete” living organisms have major impacts on many chemical and ecological processes, they are most often recognized for their ability to cause serious and sometimes fatal diseases. From diseases caused by bacteria, like pneumonia, tuberculosis, anthrax, meningitis, typhoid, and bubonic plague, to diseases caused by viruses, like HIV, polio, yellow fever, hepatitis, and influenza, humanity has struggled to cope with the rapidly changing capabilities of microorganisms. They are intimately involved with life, and must be taken into account in many ways when considering the welfare and health of all people. This book is a response to the current confusion and misunderstanding of microbes amongst the general public; written in narrative form, it will allow readers of all backgrounds to understand better the scientific concepts and terminology of how microbial or viral diseases are caused, to ask intelligent questions about the impact of diseases on our wellbeing, and to comprehend the reports about disease outbreaks that flood the media. The book begins by introducing the microbe, its history, and its basic science. Then, in an engaging narrative, Firshein describes seven critical microbial and viral diseases that plague our world, showing how each one illustrates the basic characteristics of infection. Each of these seven diseases follows the same path: invasion, internal spread, toxin effects, excretion, and transmission to a new host. In this lively discussion of pathogenicity, William Firshein reveals the fascinating scientific relationship between human and microbe, and shows us how humanity can live with microorganisms.

User’s Reviews

Review “In this little treasure, Professor Firshein has used his 50-year career as a teacher of science and non-science students alike to distill this timely subject down to its essence. Utilizing an infectious journalistic style throughout, Firshein alternates between basic and applied coverage of thistopic with effective case studies to fortify his message and grip on the reader. The result is a timely and compelling book that can be read by all, which should impact the next generation of citizens charged with understanding the nature of the infectious disease and crafting a sensible andstrategic health care policy for our 21st-century world.” — Donald Oliver, Daniel Ayres Professor of Biology, Wesleyan University “The Infectious Microbe by Bill Firshein cogently presents the background and challenge of minute organisms that have both detrimental and beneficial effects in nature. Experts and newcomers to this fascinating field of visually undetectable organisms will understand the conflict between microbesand their hosts. They will gain great insight into life in a micro-universe and enjoy the drama that unfolds as viruses and bacteria emerge, some very recently, and play roles in the ultimate survival of species on earth.” — Jay Levy, Professor of Medicine, University of California, SanFrancisco”This is an engaging journey into the world of pathogens. The microbial world is unimaginably huge, universally prevalent and diverse. Dr. Firshein provides the reader of this fascinating book with a practical level of understanding of this world, presented in a most comfortable conversationalstyle. It is a must-read for everyone at all concerned with their personal, family and community health and with national and global health policies, or who has simply wondered about the nature of the infectious diseases to which we are all susceptible.” — Thomas Broker, Professor of Biochemistry,University of Alabama at BirminghamFeatured in The Quarterly Review of Biology

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