Synopses & Reviews
Despite their bad reputation, the vast majority of germs do not infect us at all; it is pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, worms, and prions that make us ill. In Living with Germs renowned expert John Playfair vividly describes these pathogens and the defense mechanisms by which we come to terms with them, whether by eliminating them, preventing them for eliminating us, or by simply learning to live with them. Including descriptions of how vaccines and antibiotics work, the various germs that are good for you, public health measures, and a look at what might be in store for us in the future, the result is a lively, highly readable, and up-to-date examination of modern immunology and microbiology.
Rich with anecdotal and autobiographical material, this fascinating, occasionally gruesome, and utterly compelling book will appeal to all those who want to know the truth behind the 'germ' scare stories in the media today.
Synopsis
The word germ is defined as 'a microbe that causes disease'. The vast majority of microbes do not infect us at all: it is pathogens that make us ill. These include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, worms, and prions. Living with Germs not only looks at all of these in detail, but also at the defense mechanisms by which we come to terms with pathogens, whether by eliminating them, stopping them from eliminating us, or simply learning to live with them. This is the first book to look at the subject of immunology in a relevant and approachable style. Using anecdotal and autobiographical material, John Playfair has produced a lively, well-written, and up-to-date look at immunology. Timely and topical, this will appeal to all those who want to know the facts behind the 'germ' scare stories.
Synopsis
The word germ is defined as 'a microbe that causes disease'. The vast majority of microbes do not infect us at all: it is pathogens that make us ill. These include bacteria, viruses, protozoa, fungi, worms, and prions. Living with Germs not only looks at all of these in detail, but also at the defense mechanisms by which we come to terms with pathogens, whether by eliminating them, stopping them from eliminating us, or simply learning to live with them. This is the first book to look at the subject of immunology in a relevant and approachable style. Using anecdotal and autobiographical material, John Playfair has produced a lively, well-written, and up-to-date look at immunology. Timely and topical, this will appeal to all those who want to know the facts behind the 'germ' scare stories.
About the Author
Professor John Playfair was the Chairman of the Immunology Department at University College Hospital, where he established the immunology course, until his retirement a few years ago. He is the author of the highly respected textbook
Infection and Immunity, soon to be published in its second edition (Oxford University Press, co-authored with Greg Bancroft).
Table of Contents
Preface Living with Germs
1. Introduction: infection and immunity
2. Pathogens
3. Defence and immunity
4. The pathogens fight back
5. Symptoms, disease, pathology
6. Immunodeficiency
7. Controlling pathogens
8. A look ahead
Glossary
Further Reading
Index