Infectious diseases have played a dominant role in the history of human disease and medical care. This volume provides essential, accessible information on scores of infectious diseases, their spread through populations, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment. The text, organized alphabetically, spotlights how infectious diseases have influenced key aspects of human civilization. How the human body defends itself against contagion is also the subject of articles. Which components of the immune system interact to fight certain diseases? How do they triumph -- or fail? Other entries explore bioterrorism, the difference between viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms, HIV/AIDs, antibiotics and antibiotic resistance, public health, hygiene, and disease control, and new techniques for the diagnosis of infections. What can be done to avoid and prevent infections is also addressed.
This second supplement to the Human Diseases and Conditions is published in collaboration with a medical board from the Nemours Foundation of the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware. It includes about 75 articles and more than 60 photos and illustrations.
"This reference is one of the best I've seen on diseases. ... If you could only buy one health set for your library, this would be an excellent choice. Students could use this not only for reports but for general reading material as well. Highly recommended."
— The Book Report (September/October 2000)
(
Book Report 2000-09-01)
"Written for readers from middle school; age to adult, this three-volume work is an interesting mix of 'accurate and up-to-date information' in various formats. 294 diseases and conditions are profiled to include the expected details about causes, symptoms, diagnoses, and treatments. But, other features that make this encyclopedic work unique include segments from patients on what it is like to live with a disease, and 'Years Ago' boxes that provide 'fascinating and often surprising historical perspectives that go back 100, 200, or even 1,000 years ago...Because
Human Diseases and Conditions encompasses a wide range of information in a concise format, it would be a worthwhile addition to a consumer health collection in any setting."
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Medical Reference Services Quarterly (Winter 2000) (
Medical Reference Services Quarterly)
"The human body and its ailments are fascinating subjects for most people. Much of the literature in this area is very technical and difficult for lay readers to understand.
Human Diseases and Conditions, although edited by a group of physicians, is written for readers from middle school to adult level...The alphabetical entries that follow are two to six pages long. They include a definition of the disease or condition; an explanation of what it does to the body; and information on the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Many articles also have short scenarios describing people who have had or currently live with the illness...Articles on chronic diseases such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis explain what it is like to live with the illness. All articles have brief bibliographies and referral lists. There are ample cross-references and a comprehensive index to lead users to the information they need. Several color photographs, charts, and illustrations augment the text. Sidebars in the margins provide definitions and keywords for searching other reference sources and the Internet.
Human Diseases and Conditions is an attractive encyclopedia that is easy to use."
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ABRA (American Reference Books Annual) 2001 (
ARBA)
"The human body and its ailments are fascinating subjects for most people. Much of the literature in this area is very technical and difficult for lay readers to understand.
Human Diseases and Conditions, although edited with the assistance of a group of physicians, is written for readers from middle-school to adult level. The set has information on 294 diseases and conditions...Many articles also have short scenarios describing people who have had or currently live with the illness...There are ample cross-references and a comprehensive index to lead users to the information they need. A bibliography of recent medical textbooks appears in volume three. Color photographs, charts and illustrations augment the text. Sidebars in the margins provide definitions and keywords for searching other reference sources and the Internet. Fact boxes offer historical information and literary quotations about diseases."
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Booklist (July 2000) (
Booklist 2000-07-01)
"
Human Diseases and Conditions is an attractive encyclopedia that is easy to use."
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Booklist (July 2000) (
Booklist 2000-07-01)
"Aside from health textbooks, general authoritative medical references written for young people are hard to find. There are probably more books on dinosaurs than straightforward, clear books presenting medical information to adolescents and teenagers.
Human Diseases and Conditions is a medical encyclopedia aimed at this age group...Each article contains a definition of the disease or condition, how it works in the body, causes, symptoms, treatments, and how it affects the patient's life. Most articles also end with a list of resources for further information. The resources are usually government or nonprofit organizations and books on disease or condition written for young people. The resources include Internet URLs when appropriate... Additional features on the sidebars of each page are definitions and pronunciations of medical terms, keywords for searching the Internet, and statistical information. The text frequently includes case studies about teenagers, diseases suggested by famous people and current celebrities, historical facts, or the illnesses of literary characters Two hundred attractive color photographs, charts, and diagrams enhance the text with valuable graphic information...Recommended for public, middle, and high school libraries. "
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Reference and User Services Quarterly (Summer 2000) (
Reference and User Services Quarterly 2000-06-01)
"Gr 6 UP -- While there is a plethora of print and electronic sources available on medical topics, this set was written with young adults in mind. The entries cover a wide range of topics from acne to stress, breast cancer to tuberculosis...diseases and conditions that this age group is personally interested in or frequently assigned. Less common ailments such as Marfan syndrome, Chargas' disease, and Ebola virus are also covered. The articles are easy to read; some, such as the one on diabetes, are quite lengthy; others briefly cover causes, symptoms, and treatment. Sidebars provide additional facts and definitions. Most entries mention at least one other resource, and many note several books and/or organizations. Lots of color photographs, illustrations, and diagrams enhance the text. A bibliography and a comprehensive index are found in the third volume. A good starting point for research papers and equally useful to answer quick questions."
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School Library Journal (May 2000) (
School Library Journal 2000-05-01)
"This handsomely produced and authoritatively written encyclopedia was published in association with the Center for Children's Health at the Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington, DE, Lengthier entries include sidebars consisting of bibliographies, See references, definitions of unusual words, suggested keywords for searching the Internet and print sources, and pronunciation guides...Children and teenagers are obviously the intended audience, though any adult would find this book valuable...Any school or public library that can afford
Human Diseases and Conditions could not go wrong in purchasing it."
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Library Journal (April 15, 2000) (
Library Journal 2000-04-15)
"For those libraries owning the original set and the previous supplement this work is highly recommended. It is of the same high quality and will nicely supplement the other works. For those unable to afford the entire set but needing a work on infectious diseases, this volume would be a good choice."
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ARBA (2004) (
ARBA 2004-02-24)
