Hardly a day goes by without news headlines concerning infectious disease threats. Currently the spectre of a pandemic of influenza A|H1N1 is raising its head, and heated debates are taking place about the pro’s and con’s of vaccinating young girls against human papilloma virus. For an evidence-based and responsible communication of infectious disease topics to avoid misunderstandings and overreaction of the public, we need solid scientific knowledge and an understanding of all aspects of infectious diseases and their control. The aim of our book is to present the reader with the general picture and the main ideas of the subject. The book introduces the reader to methodological aspects of epidemiology that are specific for infectious diseases and provides insight into the epidemiology of some classes of infectious diseases characterized by their main modes of transmission. This choice of topics bridges the gap between scientific research on the clinical, biological, mathematical, social and economic aspects of infectious diseases and their applications in public health. The book will help the reader to understand the impact of infectious diseases on modern society and the instruments that policy makers have at their disposal to deal with these challenges. It is written for students of the health sciences, both of curative medicine and public health, and for experts that are active in these and related domains, and it may be of interest for the educated layman since the technical level is kept relatively low.

Infectious Disease Epidemiology is a concise reference guide which provides trainees and practicing epidemiologists with the information that they need to understand the basic concepts necessary for working in this specialist area. Divided into two sections, part one comprehensively covers the basic principles and methods relevant to the study of infectious disease epidemiology. It is organised in order of increasing complexity, ranging from a general introduction to subjects such as mathematical modelling and sero-epidemiology. Part two examines key major infectious diseases that are of global significance. Grouped by their route of transmission for ease of reference, they include diseases that present a particular burden or a high potential for causing mortality. This practical guide will be essential reading for postgraduate students in infectious disease epidemiology, health protection trainees, and practicing epidemiologists.

Molecular Tools and Infectious Disease Epidemiology examines the opportunities and methodologic challenges in the application of modern molecular genetic and biologic techniques to infectious disease epidemiology. The application of these techniques dramatically improves the measurement of disease and putative risk factors, increasing our ability to detect and track outbreaks, identify risk factors and detect new infectious agents. However, integration of these techniques into epidemiologic studies also poses new challenges in the design, conduct, and analysis. This book presents the key points of consideration when integrating molecular biology and epidemiology; discusses how using molecular tools in epidemiologic research affects program design and conduct; considers the ethical concerns that arise in molecular epidemiologic studies; and provides a context for understanding and interpreting scientific literature as a foundation for subsequent practical experience in the laboratory and in the field. The book is recommended for graduate and advanced undergraduate students studying infectious disease epidemiology and molecular epidemiology; and for the epidemiologist wishing to integrate molecular techniques into his or her studies. - Presents the key points of consideration when integrating molecular biology and epidemiology - Discusses how using molecular tools in epidemiologic research affects program design and conduct - Considers the ethical concerns that arise in molecular epidemiologic studies - Provides a context for understanding and interpreting scientific literature as a foundation for subsequent practical experience in the laboratory and in the field

The Forum on Emerging Infections was created in 1996 in response to a request from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health. The goal of the forum is to provide structured opportunities for representatives from academia, industry, professional and interest groups, and government to examine and discuss scientific and policy issues that relate to research, prevention, detection, and management of emerging infectious diseases. A critical part of this mission has been the convening of a series of workshops. Public Health Systems and Emerging Infections summarizes the fourth in a series of five workshops. With a focus on our knowledge and understanding of the role of private and public health sectors in emerging infectious disease surveillance and response, the participants explored the effects of privatization of public health laboratories and the modernization of public health care. The issues discussed included epidemiological investigation, surveillance, communication, coordination, resource allocations, and economic support.

This is the first comprehensive text on the methodological issues in epidemiologic research on infectious diseases. It will be an invaluable resource both to students of epidemiology and to established researchers. The authors address such questions as: What needs to be considered when enrolling participants in a study of sexually transmitted diseases? What are common sources of measurement error in population-based studies of respiratory infections? What are some sources of existing data for epidemiologic studies of infectious diseases? Answers to these and many other related questions can be found in this well-organized, comprehensive and authoritative volume - the first to thoroughly address the methodologic issues in conducting epidimiologic research on infectious diseases. The book will be an ideal complement to texts on general epidemiology and infectious disease. An introductory section will make it accessible to a wide variety of disciplines by providing an overview of topics that are foundational to understanding infectious disease epidemiology, such as the immunology of infections, the biology of infectious diseases, and concepts of causation, transmission, and dynamics. The rest of the book is structured around sections on data sources and measurement; methods by transmission type; outbreak investigation and evaluation research; and special topics such as HIV/AIDS research, infections in the elderly, and research collaborations in developing countries.

Covers a range of essential topics from a survey of important historical epidemics to study designs for infectious disease investigations. The first part of the text covers ID epidemiology background and methodology, whereas the second focuses on specific diseases as examples of different transmission modalities. TB, HIV and Influenza are among the pathogens discussed in great detail. Includes four new chapters on immunology, measles, meningococcal disease, and vector-borne infections. The HIV chapter has been expanded to include issues of host genetics as well as a review of behavioral interventions.

This is the first comprehensive text on the methodological issues in epidemiologic research on infectious diseases. It will be an invaluable resource both to students of epidemiology and to established researchers. The authors address such questions as: What needs to be considered when enrolling participants in a study of sexually transmitted diseases? What are common sources of measurement error in population-based studies of respiratory infections? What are some sources of existing data for epidemiologic studies of infectious diseases? Answers to these and many other related questions can be found in this well-organized, comprehensive and authoritative volume - the first to thoroughly address the methodologic issues in conducting epidimiologic research on infectious diseases. The book will be an ideal complement to texts on general epidemiology and infectious disease. An introductory section will make it accessible to a wide variety of disciplines by providing an overview of topics that are foundational to understanding infectious disease epidemiology, such as the immunology of infections, the biology of infectious diseases, and concepts of causation, transmission, and dynamics. The rest of the book is structured around sections on data sources and measurement; methods by transmission type; outbreak investigation and evaluation research; and special topics such as HIV/AIDS research, infections in the elderly, and research collaborations in developing countries.