The AIDS Pandemic: Impact on Science and Society.Kenneth H. Mayer and H.F. Pizer, editors Elsevier Academic Press, Amsterdam, the Netherlands, and Boston, Massachusetts, 2005 ISBN ISBN abbr. International Standard Book Number ISBN International Standard Book Number ISBN n abbr (= International Standard Book Number) → ISBN m : 0-12-465271-9 Pages: 537; Price: US $84.95 As we enter the third decade of the AIDS pandemic, numerous texts explore the many aspects of AIDS and its consequences. Mayer and Pizer's premise is that AIDS has transformed many of the disciplines that it has touched. For the most part, this well-written volume supports their thesis. The authors, all established researchers, tackle many of the major issues, including virology virology, study of viruses and their role in disease. Many viruses, such as animal RNA viruses and viruses that infect bacteria, or bacteriophages, have become useful laboratory tools in genetic studies and in work on the cellular metabolic control of gene expression , immunology, vaccines, microbicides, and sexually transmitted diseases Sexually transmitted diseases Infections that are acquired and transmitted by sexual contact. Although virtually any infection may be transmitted during intimate contact, the term sexually transmitted disease is restricted to conditions that are largely , as well as the global impact of HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome . Each chapter provides a well-referenced overview of its topic with many references as recent as 2003. One of the real strengths of this book is a chapter on quantitative science that explores not only the history of HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. clinical trials, but also the design and importance of clinical trials in general. This chapter should be required reading for those considering clinical research in HIV. The chapters on Africa and Asia ably contrast the differences in these areas of highest prevalence. Another strength is the discussion of HIV in correctional facilities and the challenge of caring for this population, including their coexisting conditions and illicit drug illicit drug Street drug, see there use. Lastly, the discussion of the economics of AIDS is especially welcome in this era of efforts to increase access to drugs worldwide. Overall, this book fills a valuable niche. A relatively concise text, it reviews many aspects of HIV with a focus on how each topic has evolved over the years. A few tables are small, but overall the diagrams and charts are clear and legible. This book would be of interest to infectious disease Infectious disease A pathological condition spread among biological species. Infectious diseases, although varied in their effects, are always associated with viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, multicellular parasites and aberrant proteins known as prions. fellows, HIV caregivers, and those involved in public health and health policy. I heartily recommend this book and plan to keep it handy for future reference. Jeffrey L. Stephens, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, Georgia, USA Address for correspondence: Jeffrey L. Stephens, Department of Internal Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, 707 Pine St, Macon, GA 31201, USA; fax: 478-301-5856; email: stephens_j@mercer.edu |
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