Jean-Claude Rambaud The place occupied today in basic and clinical research by intestinal disease related to Clostridium difficile is such that it is hard to remember that this range of disorders was completely identified only in 1977-1978, even though pieces of the puzzle had been identified much earlier. A brief historical review of the discovery of the enteropathogenicity of C. difficile in man might thus be useful. The bacterium was described in 1935 in the stools of infants, using the name Bacillus difficilis [7]. Until 1977, the microorganism, renamed C. difficile, considered to be of endogenous origin, was isolated only in rare cases of abscess or infection, most often unrelated to the digestive tract. Its role in genito-urinary infections [6] was not confirmed. However, the frequency of infant healthy carriers was recognized from the outset [7, 13]. Pseudo-membranous colitis (PMC) was described in 1883 following a gastroenterostomy. Many cases of this condition were published subsequently before the antibiotic era, describing various risk factors [4]. However the disease began to flourish only with the increasingly wide use of antibiotics. Antibiotic associated PMC was first described as an enterocolitis, though with little pathological evidence. It was principally related to the use of chloramphenicol and tetracyclines and attributed to proliferation of Staphylococcus au reus [ 11], a concept strengthened by the spectacular therapeutic action of vancomycin.

All practitioners and pharmacists interested in treatment with herbal remedies should have this book at their disposal. It is the definitive practice-oriented introduction - now in its fifth edition - to phytotherapy. Methodically classified by organic systems and fields of application, the text provides a quick insight into dosage, form of application and effects of the most important herbal remedies. Only those herbal remedies that are of pharmacological and clinical efficiency have been considered. The authors are highly experienced in the field of postgraduate medical education, and, with this work, present an indispensable reference book for the medical practice.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

This book is a practice-oriented introduction into phytotherapy. Methodically classified by organic systems and fields of application, it offers a quick insight into dosage, form of application and effects of the most important herbal remedies. Only those herbal remedies that are of pharmacological and clinical efficiency have been considered. The authors are highly experienced in the field of postgraduate medical education and, with this work, present an indispensable reference book for the medical practice.All practitioners and pharmacists interested in the treatment with herbal remedies should have this book at their disposal.

The incidence of allergies is increasing worldwide. Beside the well-established symptomatic treatments and subcutaneous immunotherapies, formerly known as de- or hyposensitization, a new form of treatment, local immunotherapy, has been developed in recent years. Local immunotherapy, though still controversially discussed, promises to be a curative, noninvasive, and easily applicable treatment for allergies. This volume summarizes the most current information on local immunotherapy compiled by internationally renowned specialists. In the methodology section, general aspects of local immunotherapy are presented including its history, allergen resorption and biodistribution, mechanisms of oral tolerance and practical experiences. The second section devoted to efficacy and safety presents findings from international placebo-controlled studies on nasal and sublingual immunotherapies with different allergens and for different allergic conditions including asthma and eczema. Possible side effects are also discussed. The concluding chapter critically evaluates the future prospects of this new method, pointing out still unresolved issues such as the exact immunological mechanisms, its long-term effects, or the standardization of dose and application intervals/duration. This state-of-the-art account will be of particular interest to scientists working in the field of allergy, clinical allergologists, pharmacists, and representatives from the pharmaceutical industry.

Lack of proper nutrition can severely impact the immune system, especially when it is already compromised. This book defines recent advances in understanding the nutritional deficiencies found in AIDS and HIV-positive patients. It explores the scientific knowledge of how nutritional and dietary changes and herbal medicines can benefit or potentially harm these patients. The text also discusses the negative effects of undernutrition that can lead to starvation, a potent immunosuppressant. Nutrients and Foods in AIDS is a much-needed scientific appraisal of current alternative strategies used in preventing or treating AIDS and its symptoms for improved quality of life.