In this concluding chapter, the role of bacteria and viruses in developing the human species into what it is, immunity and its enhancement against infections, and the role of disease in shaping history are discussed. Some beneficial microorganisms, the discovery and use of antibiotics against...

This chapter reviews the types and outcome of immune response generated by the human body toward parasites/pathogens, such as Trichinella spiralis, Plasmodium falciparum, Helicobacter pylori and other bacteria, and human endogenous retroviruses. It also discusses the principle behind the protective ...

This chapter describes the role of missionaries in spreading influenza in Samoa, measles in Fiji, and leprosy and diabetes in Nauru, and the death of missionaries after contracting malaria in Africa. The value of immunity is briefly discussed.

This chapter reviews the history of human colonization of the abundant land of South America, and the subsequent introduction of Old World diseases, such as malaria and yellow fever, in the region, particularly through international slave trade. A brief description of the transmission route and...

This chapter presents the history of the occurrence and disappearance of malaria (and its vector) in Europe and English Sweat epidemics in England. Eradication programmes (e.g., vaccination, drug therapy, clean water) against smallpox, measles, poliomyelitis, dracunculiasis, yaws, lymphatic...

This chapter reviews the ecology, geographical distribution, life cycle, host range, and feeding and reproductive behaviour of some of the most important disease vectors such as Culex, Aedes, Anopheles, Glossina, Siphonaptera, mites, and ticks. Epidemiological data on the range of human diseases...

Medical conditions can have a major effect on the woman before, during and after pregnancy, some of which have particular importance to her offspring. The conditions are often exacerbated by pregnancy. Infectious conditions are common in developing country settings, with antenatal care providing an ...

The MDGs are a contract between the developed and the developing world to improve the quality of life in developing countries, laying out the responsibilities of both groups of countries in working towards achieving these goals. Developed countries are expected to provide 0.7% of GNP in official...

This chapter describes the clinical features, diagnosis, transmission, incubation and transmission periods, occurrence, distribution, control (e.g., vector control), prevention, treatment (e.g., drug therapy) and surveillance of diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and arthropods, including arboviral ...