wrenches
a history of infectious diseases and the microbial world
p in keeping with the goal of this series a history of infectious diseases and the microbial world 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 . p 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 . 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 .