The volume is a comprehensive documentation on major infectious diseases from tropical countries which pose a serious threat to global healthcare programs. These include diseases such as tuberculosis, AIDS, leishmaniasis (kala-azar), elephantiasis, malaria, leprosy, various fungal disorders and emergent viral diseases. Due to the widespread use of antibiotics, there is an emergence of drug-resistant pathogens in many regions. Hence, there is a need to search for novel, cost-effective bioactive compounds that demonstrate high efficacy and low toxicity in human cells from unexplored ecosystems to combat emerging drug-resistant pathogens. Chapters of this volume focus on the pathogenesis and etiology of each of the mentioned diseases, updated WHO reports wherever applicable, conventional drugs and their pharmacokinetics as well as new approaches to develop anti-infective agents. <p></p> The authors also present a detailed report on ‘superbugs’ (multi-drug resistant pathogens) and new measures being taken up to eradicate them. Information about new antimicrobials (bioactive peptides and silk protein sericin) and the approaches taken by scientists and healthcare professionals for successful targeting of these molecules for human medicine. This volume is essential for general readers, healthcare professionals, researchers, and academicians actively involved in research on infectious diseases and anti-infective therapeutic drugs. <p></p> [Series Introduction] <p></p> Frontiers in Anti-Infective Agents is a book series that focuses on current and new antibiotics and vaccines. The series highlights the challenges faced by healthcare workers around the globe when facing epidemics caused by life-threatening pathogens along with the measures being taken to combat these challenges. The series is essential reading for all involved in infectious disease research including microbiologists, medical professionals, epidemiologists, and life science researchers.

This volume of Frontiers in Anti-Infective Agents provides updates on the most recent studies about anti-infective agents, their mechanism of action, the relevant molecular targets and their implication in the development of novel antibiotics that have properties similar to their corresponding compounds of natural origin. The initial chapter covers the mode of action of natural antimycobacterial compounds such as nordihydroguaiaretic acid, α-mangostin and allicin, as well as antimicrobial peptides and their role in the innate and adaptive immune response leading to the decrease of microbial resistance. This is followed by updates on tuberculosis treatment concerning the immunological role of cells (airway epithelial cells, macrophages, neutrophils and T cells) along with their products (chemokines, cytokines) and other processes such as autophagy that influence the outcome of the host immune response to the infection. Contributors have also reviewed the latest knowledge in the cellular and molecular mechanisms that trigger a protective, immune response and the identification of the molecular targets for vaccine development, all of which are a key priority to develop control measures against Babesia species like Babesia bovis and Babesia bigemina. Additionally, the neuro-endocrine and neuro-immune mechanisms behind host responses against stress and environmental stimuli during infections are also covered in separate chapters. The volume also provides updates related to Helicobacter pylori pathogenesis. The reviews presented in Anti-infective Research and Development provide timely updates for scholars and professionals associated with the field of antimicrobial research and development.

This concise clinical reference facilitates health consultants and professionals for determining treatment options for some common prenatal and postpartum infections during pregnancy and the puerperium in patients. Key Features - Presents 9 organized, easy to read chapters on anti-infective agents for pregnant patients - Covers pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of relevant anti-infective agents - Includes information on classification and safety of anti-infective agents - Includes treatment of urinary tract infections - Covers medications for sexually transmitted diseases, including a complete section dedicated to HIV medication - Provides information about vulvovaginal infections - Covers the treatment of toxoplasmosis in pregnancy - innovates with information about herbal remedies for infection for patients during pregnancy and breastfeeding Pregnancy and Anti-Infective Agents is therefore, a valuable handbook that enables quick consultation on safe antibiotics for the treatment of a variety of infections in pregnancy.

21st Century Challenges in Antimicrobial Therapy and Stewardship addresses selected topics that are of importance in the practice of infectious disease management. The text starts by illustrating the global landscape of antimicrobial drug resistance, which influences antimicrobial use and therapeutic decisions in the clinic. The contributors explain the reasons for the spread of antibiotic resistance, the pharmacology of antibiotics of different classes, innovative drug delivery methods which can improve the efficacy and safety of new drug candidates and achieve targeted drug delivery as well as drug resistance monitoring techniques and issues in the practice of antimicrobial stewardship and infection control. Key Features: - 14 organized chapters on several aspects of antimicrobial therapy and stewardship - Introductory knowledge on global antimicrobial trends - Coverage of molecular basis of antimicrobial resistance in gram positive, gram negative and fungal microbes - Focused coverage on new developments in antimicrobial drug development, drug delivery, formulation and diagnostic tools - Information on unmet needs of patients and clinicians, including the treatment of difficult infections - Comprehensive coverage of issues in antimicrobial stewardship 21st Century Challenges in Antimicrobial Therapy and Stewardship brings to readers &ndash; healthcare administrators, educators, pharmacists, clinicians and students, alike &ndash; the knowledge of the molecular basis of antimicrobial drug therapy, drug resistance in pathogens and current practices in antimicrobial stewardship programs. This knowledge, in turn, fosters an awareness among healthcare industry participants to collaborate in an interprofessional environment to combat multidrug resistance.

Anti-infective agents are a distinct class of pharmacologically important molecules that has served mankind in different capacities to combat life-threating pathologic conditions. They include antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antituberculosis, antimalarial and urinary anti-infective agents. However, evolutionary changes, adaptations and development of pathogenic microorganisms strains the therapeutic efficacy of these drugs thus limiting their clinical utility over the years. Frontiers in Anti-Infective Agents Volume 5 is a collection of notable research efforts, successful anti-infective drug development programmes and a comprehensive overview of the successes and failures of recent clinical trials in this domain. The volume covers interesting topics: 1) the treatment of acute wounds with the vikut&reg; formula, 2) anti-infective treatment of ocular diseases and 3) sars-cov vaccine development and antimicrobial therapy for SARS symptoms. A chapter summarizing recent anti-infective approaches rounds up the contents of this volume. This volume is a timely reference for postgraduate scholars and researchers seeking updates in specific areas of anti-infective drug development. Allied healthcare professionals (clinical and public healthcare professionals) can also benefit from the information presented within.

Anti-infective agents are a distinct class of pharmacologically important molecules that have served mankind in different capacities to combat life-threatening pathological conditions. They include antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antituberculosis, antimalarial, and urinary anti-infective agents. However, evolutionary changes, adaptations, and the development of new strains of pathogenic microorganisms have reduced the therapeutic efficacy of existing drugs, thus, limiting their clinical utility over the years. Frontiers in Anti-Infective Agents Volume 6 is a collection of notable research efforts, successful anti-infective drug development programs, and a comprehensive overview of successful and unsuccessful clinical trials conducted in this domain. This volume continues from the last one with interesting reviews on 1) “Reverse Vaccinology” for vaccination design using computational data to identify vaccine targets, 2) leptospirosis, 3) phage therapy for bacterial infections, 4) quorum sensing inhibitors from natural products, and 5) nitrogen and oxygen-based heterocyclic compounds that can act as anti-infective agents. The volume, therefore, covers a range of frontier topics on anti-infective research and development. This compilation is a timely reference for postgraduate scholars and researchers seeking updates in specific areas of anti-infective drug development. Allied healthcare professionals (clinical and public healthcare professionals) can also benefit from the information presented within.

Advances in HIV Treatment: HIV Enzyme Inhibitors and Antiretroviral Therapy presents comprehensive and updated information on drug therapies used to treat and manage HIV infection in human patients. The volume is organized in to chapters detailing respective classes of HIV Drugs including HIV entry inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors (RTIs), integrase strand inhibitors (INSTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs). Each chapter compiles background information, pharmacology and clinical aspects such as side effects on the specific classes of drugs represented. Available data for ongoing research for new targets, including vaccines is also presented. Readers will also find a useful introduction to HIV virology and pathogenesis as well as a comparison of the availability and activity of these agents in different populations, opening a discussion on the influence of genetics and resources in curbing the HIV epidemic. Advances in HIV Treatment: HIV Enzyme Inhibitors and Antiretroviral Therapy is, therefore, a holistic resource for researchers, healthcare professionals and clinicians interested in understanding antiretroviral drugs and the management of HIV infection/AIDS. The volume is also of interest to undergraduate and graduate students undertaking specialized courses in pharmacology and HIV/AIDS management.

Current Studies in HIV Research brings key topics in HIV/AIDS research to the fore by compiling reviews prepared by HIV/AIDS experts. Readers will benefit from the extensive range of topics covered in this book. Each of the 24 chapters of this volume present a brief account of major facets of HIV/AIDS research including epidemiology, HIV prevention, basic virology, clinical studies (including co-infection with mycobacteria and hepatitis viruses), antiretroviral therapy, treatment options for specific patient groups (such as pregnant women and elderly patients), patient psychology and public health concerns. The book also presents information about issues encountered in practical situations such as management models for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community involvement in HIV programs and sampling methods in HIV research. Current Studies in HIV Research is, therefore, a useful guide to research information for novice epidemiologists, clinicians, psychologists, sociologists and managers involved in planning and implementing HIV/AIDS research, prevention and monitoring projects.

Following the post 9/11 distribution of anthrax spores through the U.S. mail, and the resulting deaths of five individuals - primarily due to initial misdiagnosis - there has been a renewed interest in anthrax among clinicians and intelligence agencies, particularly as a biological warfare agent. This monograph brings forth essential knowledge about anthrax. Included in this volume, are, the early history, non-natural outbreaks of anthrax, characteristics of the causative organism Bacillus anthracis and its relationship to other members of the B. cereus family. Also included are reports on extensive clinical findings, mechanisms of anthrax virulence and the genetics responsible for these virulence factors. The extensive studies over the years regarding the development of veterinary and human vaccines, and molecular studies, including conventional PCR and real-time PCR are explained in comprehensive detail, with the help of tables, figures and extensive references. This eBook serves as an advanced presentation and reference work for individuals seeking detailed information regarding anthrax and as a primary guide for individuals pursuing studies on anthrax.

Protozoan infections that are endemic in countries with limited economic resources pose a significant public health challenge to affected communities and some of these diseases are categorized as neglected tropical diseases by the World Health Organization. At the moment, there is an urgent need to identify and develop new antiprotozoal drugs. Antiprotozoal Drug Discovery: A Challenge That Remains brings together research from all scientists (including parasitologists, chemists, biologists among others) involved in the field of antiprotozoal experimental pharmacology, drug design and natural product research. The monograph is a compilation of review chapters written by experts on medical parasitology and pharmacology that covers a wide range of topics such as general characteristics of protozoan diseases (malaria, toxoplasmosis, Chagas&amp;amp;rsquo; disease, leishmaniasis, trichomoniasis) prophylaxis, treatments, natural products and rational drug design. The contents of this book are useful to medical microbiologists and pharmaceutical scientists seeking to update their knowledge about antiprotozoal drug design.