Respiratory infections are among the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. These infections present a special challenge to physicians for several reasons, including of the recent disasters caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and bird and swine influenza, the increase in viral and bacterial resistance to currently available anti-microbial drugs, the increased frequency of new viral lung infections in clinical practice, and the worldwide emergence of deadly drug-resistant forms of TB. For these reasons, it is important for infectious disease specialists to have an overview of emerging respiratory infections.

"Respiratory infections are one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As we enter the twenty-first century, several landmark events are unfolding in the area of respiratory infections. Some of these, by assuming the form of formidable disasters, have abruptly claimed lives and led to economic loss. Examples include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and bird and swine influenza. Viral and bacterial resistance to currently available antimicrobial drugs is thwarting efforts in the management of influenza and pulmonary sepsis. Newer and emerging viral lung infections are seen more frequently in clinical practice, including post-transplant viral infections other than cytomegalovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. The frequency and diversity of serious fungal infections are increasing. Persons who are severely immunocompromised are particularly vulnerable to infection from unusual molds and yeasts that are often found naturally in the environment. Other respiratory infections pose continuous health care challenges. Examples include the changing demography of tuberculosis (TB) and emerging deadly drug-resistant forms of TB worldwide. Pediatric TB and elderly TB are on the rise and the problem of coinfection with HIV is proving difficult to diagnose and manage. Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a therapy for autoimmune conditions results in reactivation of TB. In addition, occupational lung diseases due to airborne microbes constitute another problematic issue. Protozoal and helminthic lung infestations continue to be important clinical problems in many parts of the world. This issue of Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America is aimed at giving an up-todate and comprehensive overview of emerging respiratory infections in the twenty-first century through 14 articles written by authoritative experts from all around the globe." - p. xiii.

In this edition of the Emerging Infectious Diseases of the 21st Century Series, the editor reviews the research, diagnosis, and treatment of some common infections facing researchers, clinicians and family physicians such as sinusitis, otitis media and pertussis in adults. Recent studies and surveys have shown that these conditions are often over diagnosed and treated unnecessarily with antibiotics. The approach and guidelines for diagnosis and management are reviewed in this volume. Other more complicated but less common conditions challenging internists, clinical infectious disease consultants and other specialists are also reviewed (i.e. meningitis, ventilator associated pneumonia, sepsis, hepatitis C, B, etc.).

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death globally, particularly among children and young adults. The spread of new pathogens and the threat of antimicrobial resistance pose particular challenges in combating these diseases. Major Infectious Diseases identifies feasible, cost-effective packages of interventions and strategies across delivery platforms to prevent and treat HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis, malaria, adult febrile illness, viral hepatitis, and neglected tropical diseases. The volume emphasizes the need to effectively address emerging antimicrobial resistance, strengthen health systems, and increase access to care. The attainable goals are to reduce incidence, develop innovative approaches, and optimize existing tools in resource-constrained settings.

In the past half century, deadly disease outbreaks caused by novel viruses of animal origin - Nipah virus in Malaysia, Hendra virus in Australia, Hantavirus in the United States, Ebola virus in Africa, along with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), several influenza subtypes, and the SARS (sudden acute respiratory syndrome) and MERS (Middle East respiratory syndrome) coronaviruses - have underscored the urgency of understanding factors influencing viral disease emergence and spread. Emerging Viral Diseases is the summary of a public workshop hosted in March 2014 to examine factors driving the appearance, establishment, and spread of emerging, re-emerging and novel viral diseases; the global health and economic impacts of recently emerging and novel viral diseases in humans; and the scientific and policy approaches to improving domestic and international capacity to detect and respond to global outbreaks of infectious disease. This report is a record of the presentations and discussion of the event.

Tropical diseases pose an increasing problem for US and international travellers who travel to tropical regions. Physicians need to be aware of the wide spectrum of tropical, infectious, and parasitic diseases that patients may be exposed to. This issue of Infectious Disease Clinics includes articles written by global experts and includes topics such as range/classification of tropical diseases, venomous bites and stings, malaria, and bacterial gastrointestinal infections.