Bacterial and parasitic diseases are the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to a report by the London School of Economics. Due to the emergence of drug-resistant "superbugs," like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), traditional antibiotics such as penicillin and its derivatives are in danger of becoming obsolete. In

This reference work lists all organisms which produce antibiotics in alphabetical order. It also covers the production of antibiotics from many new strains of known organisms, as these produce new antibiotics as well as amounts of known compounds.

This textbook builds on the success of the earlier edition, offering alternative strategies for discovering new antibiotics. It discusses how the various types of antibiotics and related drugs work to cure infections. Then it delves into the very serious matter of how bacteria are becoming resistant to these antibiotics. It also covers the global action plan on antimicrobial resistance from the World Health Organization and discusses several Antibiotic Stewardship Programs adopted by agencies at local levels. Appropriate for a one-semester course at either the graduate or advanced undergraduate level, the book is self-contained and written in accessible language. It includes all necessary background biochemistry material and a discussion of the latest developments in the field of antibiotics. Original research works are frequently cited and experimental procedures and interpretation of results are emphasized.