Bücher der Reihe Birkhauser Advances in Infectious Diseases

Currently, we are witnessing a quantum leap in our technological capabilities to specifically modify the genetic make-up of viruses and bacteria, making it possible to generate improved live vaccines and to develop completely new types of replicating vaccines, such as vectored vaccines, single-round infectious vaccines and replicon vaccines.

The study of poxviruses has a long and distinguished history that includes Jenner's founding work on smallpox vaccination. In the more than 200 years since that time we have seen the remarkable eradication of smallpox. It is difficult to overstate the significance of that achievement. It not only removed a disease that must rate as one of humankind's greatest scourges, but also demonstrated the effectiveness of the general principle of vacci- tion in our battles against disease. This book begins with a review of smallpox and its causative agent, Variola virus. The vaccine used in the successful smallpox eradication c- paign, vaccinia virus, is reviewed in the following chapter that describes its origin and its use as a vaccine, as well as the current understanding of the molecular biology and pathogenesis of this virus. Vaccinia virus is the most intensively studied poxvirus and the descriptions of the biology of this virus are relevant to all vertebrate poxviruses. The eradication of smallpox has drawn attention to the potential threat posed by other orthopoxviruses that infect humans, particularly Monkeypox virus. A description of this virus is given in the third chapter. Jenner's ori- nal vaccine is believed to have been Cowpox virus and this virus is reviewed in the chapter by Essbauer and Meyer. Additional chapters are devoted to each of the recognized genera of the vertebrate poxviruses and a f- ther chapter describes the subfamily of poxviruses infecting invertebrates. Together these provide a comprehensive review of the poxvirus family.

However at the same time microbial activation of the immune system can help to generate a protective immunity that prevents allergen sensitization.

This book focuses on the importance of human antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in keeping the host healthy and preventing infectious diseases. Last but not least, the role of AMP in HIV infection and the immunomodulatory properties of AMP highlight the diverse facets of AMP in host immunity.

However at the same time microbial activation of the immune system can help to generate a protective immunity that prevents allergen sensitization.

A variety of pathogenetic mechanisms are involved in these infections and an understanding of the pathogenesis is essential in understanding the diagnostic and clinical management aspects of the disease.

This volume highlights the mechanisms leading to immune privilege in tissues and organs, the deviation of immune responses and the modification of the behavior of the immune cells that manage to cross the blood barriers of tissues, in the context of infection.

Currently, we are witnessing a quantum leap in our technological capabilities to specifically modify the genetic make-up of viruses and bacteria, making it possible to generate improved live vaccines and to develop completely new types of replicating vaccines, such as vectored vaccines, single-round infectious vaccines and replicon vaccines.

Acute and chronic hepatitis and hepatitis-related diseases such as liver failure, liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are among the most important causes for disabilities and death.

As individuals age, their ability to respond to and clear pathogens and to control unwanted immune reactions declines, leading to a greater incidence of certain infectious diseases, autoimmunity and general immune dysfunctions.

As individuals age, their ability to respond to and clear pathogens and to control unwanted immune reactions declines, leading to a greater incidence of certain infectious diseases, autoimmunity and general immune dysfunctions.

This book provides a useful text for research students and scientists on the latest knowledge about the immune system of fish, cutting edge technologies and the step required to develop, test and commercialise fish vaccines.

The common cold is unlike any other human disease because of two f- tors: firstly, it is arguably the most common human disease and, secondly, it is one of the most complex diseases because of the number of viruses that cause the familiar syndrome of sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and nasal congestion.

Starting with historical, epidemiological and sociocultural issues, this book presents clinical and molecular biological aspects of pediatric infectious diseases.

This volume highlights the mechanisms leading to immune privilege in tissues and organs, the deviation of immune responses and the modification of the behavior of the immune cells that manage to cross the blood barriers of tissues, in the context of infection.

Chagas disease is a potentially life threatening condition that was historically mainly endemic to Latin America. Over the last decade, however, the disease has spread to and is increasingly prevalent in other continents such as North America and Europe, with an estimated 7 million people infected worldwide. It is primarily transmitted by insect vectors that carry the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the disease agent. In areas where there is vector control and in non-endemic countries, it is mainly transmitted via congenital infection. Cardiac and gastrointestinal complications are common in untreated individuals.This book offers a comprehensive overview of Chagas disease, including its vectorial and congenital transmission, and molecular diagnosis, which is essential for screening, and developing and providing timely, effective anti-trypanosomal treatment. Written by experts working with infected patients on a daily basis, it discusses the pathogenesis of congenital, cardiac, gastrointestinal and oral Chagas disease, as well as its treatment and the pharmacological aspects of drug development in this area.Chapter "Chagas Disease Treatment Efficacy Biomarkers: Myths and Realities" is available open access under a via link.springer.com.

This book focuses on the importance of human antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in keeping the host healthy and preventing infectious diseases. Last but not least, the role of AMP in HIV infection and the immunomodulatory properties of AMP highlight the diverse facets of AMP in host immunity.

Major obstacles need to be overcome even after successfulcompletion of the preclinical stage.This book provides an important link between vaccine developmentand application under the particular conditions in developingcountries. The editors, S.H.E.

-SARS has received much attention and coverage by the media and has a high impact on the public making this a hot research topic for scientists. -

The emergence of H5N1 avian influenza in 1997 and of the influenza A H1N1 of swine origin in 2009 calls for new, rapid and sustainable solutions for both seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses.

The emergence of H5N1 avian influenza in 1997 and of the influenza A H1N1 of swine origin in 2009 calls for new, rapid and sustainable solutions for both seasonal and pandemic influenza viruses.

A variety of pathogenetic mechanisms are involved in these infections and an understanding of the pathogenesis is essential in understanding the diagnostic and clinical management aspects of the disease.