LibGuides: Infectious Diseases: Background Information

Background Information

The Gale Encyclopedia of Senior Health defines infectious diseases as, "infectious disease—also called communicable disease—is any illness caused by an infective agent. Infective agents include microbes—primarily bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and fungi—that can be passed to or among humans by various means."

The article goes on the describe infectious diseases; when an infective agent enters the body and begins to multiply, the immune system responds with various defensive mechanisms that protect against most infectious disease. However, when an infective agent temporarily evades or overwhelms the immune system and begins to damage tissues, signs and symptoms of disease develop."

(Source: Credo)

Reference: Encyclopedias and Dictionaries

Emerging Infectious Diseases by Lisa A. Beltz Emerging Infectious Diseases Emerging Infectious Diseases offers an introduction to emerging and reemerging infectious disease, focusing on significant illnesses found in various regions of the world. Many of these diseases strike tropical regions or developing countries with particular virulence, others are found in temperate or developed areas, and still other microbes and infections are more indiscriminate. This volume includes information on the underlying mechanisms of microbial emergence, the technology used to detect them, and the strategies available to contain them. The author describes the diseases and their causative agents that are major factors in the health of populations the world over. The book contains up-to-date selections from infectious disease journals as well as information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, MedLine Plus, and the American Society for Microbiology. Perfect for students or those new to the field, the book contains Summary Overviews (thumbnail sketches of the basic information about the microbe and the associated disease under examination), Review Questions (testing students' knowledge of the material), and Topics for Further Discussion (encouraging a wider conversation on the implications of the disease and challenging students to think creatively to develop new solutions). This important volume provides broad coverage of a variety of emerging infectious diseases, of which most are directly important to health practitioners in the United States.
Call Number: E-Book
ISBN: 1118001591
Publication Date: 2011-03-08
Encyclopedia of Microbiology by Anne Maczulak Humans have always struggled with how to balance the benefits bacteria offer with the threats that they produce. Much less obvious than the effects microorganisms have on plants and animals are the indirect ways in which they shape the planet. These hidden activities have rarely been explained in science, though scientists realize that the behavior of microbes supports all life on Earth. In more than 200 entries, Encyclopedia of Microbiology presents the myriad ways in which microorganisms influence the biosphere. Focusing on how all microorganisms relate to each other just as all higher organisms relate to all other animate and inanimate objects on Earth, this new resource explores all aspects of microbiology from mycology (the study of fungi) to the simplest biological entities of all, viruses, to prions, which are even more streamlined than viruses and just as dangerous. Biographical sections in many entries highlight the scientists who most influenced developments or discoveries in microbiology, including Louis Pasteur. Entries cover new techniques in microscopy, genetic engineering, gene therapy, and nanotechnology. A full-color insert, helpful appendixes, cross-references, and further resources round out this invaluable resource.
Call Number: QR9 .M33 2011
ISBN: 9780816073641
Publication Date: 2011-04-01
Lippincott's Guide to Infectious Diseases by Lippincott Williams and Wilkins Staff (Produced by) Compliant with CDC and WHO guidelines, this new A-to-Z reference provides an overview of 160 infectious diseases, from the common cold and otitis media to MRSA and other newer threats, including Bartonella quintana . Presented in a highly visual format, each disease is showcased in a two-page spread, formatted with consistent headings to make locating critical information easy. Headings include: Causes Complications Assessment Findings Diagnostic Tests Treatment Nursing Considerations Patient Teaching The Safety, Alert, and Prevention icons draw attention to critical information, and special headings identify diseases with transmission-based precautions, which are discussed further under Nursing Considerations. Alert Icon: points out critical information related to signs & symptoms and treatment Prevention Icon: focuses on ways to prevent the occurrence of the disease including vaccines and supportive measures Safety Icon: provides safety tips on protection and ways to prevent the spread of disease to decrease the fear factor ·Includes evidence-based practices to prevent health-care-associated infections The book also includes special sections that discuss the appropriate use of antibiotic therapy in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance, review the newer antibiotic agents, and provide up-to-date information on immunizations, CDC guidelines for isolation precautions, and tips on how to provide safe patient care.
Call Number: E-Book
ISBN: 9781605479750
Publication Date: 2010-12-17

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Background Information

Reference: Encyclopedias and Dictionaries