Germs: Disease-Causing Organisms

From the dawn of history, individuals and civilizations have battled disease. The struggle shifted once epidemiologists, medical professionals, and other specialists identified the microscopic organisms often to blame for much of humanity's illnesses over time. This book examines both the history of battling disease and the ever-shifting frontlines of the modern struggle against germs, as well as possible future developments. From cutting-edge medical treatments to common-sense measures to prevent and address the insidious effects of germs (measures that have changed remarkably little through the centuries), this work documents how the fight against germs helps the human race to survive and thrive.

All around us, the natural world goes through cycles of growth and decay. Fungi, including molds, are crucial to these life cycles and can be both destructive and beneficial to humans. From the cultivation of mushrooms, through the molds employed to make cheeses and other food products, to water-damaged human environments where mold must be contained, this book explores these organisms that exist largely unseen all around us. This big-picture approach demonstrates how fungi differ from other organisms, how they affect the world, and their crucial role in our ecosystem.

The simplest living organisms on Earth, viruses are endlessly studied and yet remain a great mystery. They are the cause of many human and animal illnesses, from the numerous and common cold and flu viruses that plague us for a few days or weeks, to more insidious but treatable viral infections, such as HPV, to the most feared killer viruses, such as HIV and Ebola. In this book, readers explore the mechanics of how infections occur and what kinds of diseases arise from what types of viruses. They delve into the modern landscape of prevention and cure, including how vaccines work.

Among the most fearsome tools of the modern era of war-and certainly one of the most controversial-biological weapons exist within the arsenals of many nations. This book discusses the history of biological warfare from ancient times through the modern era and examines the various types of weaponized organisms that can and have been be used by nations and may be used by non-state actors in potential acts of bioterrorism. It also documents the preventative measures that governments and the international community employ to curtail the use of these thankfully rarely used but nonetheless terrifying weapons.

Though not thought about as much as viruses or bacteria, parasites are behind much sickness and suffering in both animals and humans all over the world. Parasites range from microscopic protozoans to insects like ticks and lice and intestinal worms. What they all have in common is that their survival comes at the expense of other living things. This book gives readers a solid introduction to these unpleasant but fascinating organisms, describes how they lead to illness, and discusses preventative measures and cures.

Bacteria and humankind interact in incredibly complex ways. Many bacteria can be both harmful to individuals and human society, but others are necessary to human digestion, food production, and many other processes that help humans thrive. This book delves into the various kinds of bacteria, their life cycles and habitats, and their interplay with us and with the natural world at large. Besides the informative details provided on bacteria themselves, this book will be especially valuable to readers who will appreciate the complex web of relationships that bacteria contribute to.