Textbook-Atlas of Intestinal Infections in AIDS [Hardcover]

Daniele Dionisio (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 17, 2003

This book represents an international collaborative work focused on the current challenges of AIDS-related intestinal infections in the worldwide scenario. The unique problems of developing countries, the epidemiological and immunological aspects, the risks for immunodeficient travellers and the reservoirs and ways of transmission from animal to man are all equally considered, as are the diagnostic advances and the changing patterns of prophylaxis and treatment. Moreover, the etiological and clinical aspects and the histologic and electron microscopic features of biopsy samples are reported. Furthermore, notes on intestinal parasitoses in the past centuries with emphasis on disadvantaged people, and worldwide trends and perspectives are also included as a link between the past and the future. This volume is expected to fill a gap in the medical literature, provide the latest information on therapeutic advances, provide an exhaustive series of light and electron microscopy micrographs and illustrations, contribute to the educational programs in developing countries, and gain international approval as a reference book for problems arising in clinical and laboratory practice, and as a text book for medical and graduate students.

Editorial Reviews

From The New England Journal of Medicine

In its natural course, AIDS is essentially a disease of opportunistic infections. In recent years, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), leading to reconstitution of immunity, has greatly affected the incidence and course of infectious episodes. Unfortunately, in geographic areas where HAART is not available, these infections continue to have an important role in causing illness and death among patients with AIDS. The problem is compounded by the fact that the types and magnitude of intestinal infections vary with geographic location. Textbook-Atlas of Intestinal Infections in AIDS is uniquely applicable to the diagnosis, management, and understanding of opportunistic intestinal infections in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), with or without antiretroviral therapy, in both industrialized and developing countries. Dionisio, at Pistoia Hospital, in Italy, brought together 58 international experts to prepare this comprehensive and scholarly book on intestinal infections in AIDS. The textbook comprises 30 topics formatted more as review articles than as stereotypical chapters. The introductory article is a masterly historical account of intestinal parasitoses that is illustrated extensively with 17th-century and 18th-century drawings and supported with more than 100 annotated references. Sections on the natural history of HIV, the pathogenesis of AIDS, and the effects of HIV infection on mucosal immunity and gastrointestinal function provide an accurate foundation for subsequent discussions of intestinal infections. Reservoirs and modes of transmission of coccidian parasites, worldwide epidemiology, risks of infection for travelers, and the microbiology of mycobacteria are covered in varying degrees of detail in three sections. The authors address the epidemiology, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis, and management of infections due to enteric bacteria, mycobacteria, microsporidia, leishmania, cryptosporidium, amebas, giardia, blastocystis, Isospora belli, Strongyloides stercoralis, fungi, enteric viruses, and human herpesviruses. Pneumocystis carinii and Toxoplasma gondii, usually not considered to be enteric pathogens, are discussed in several sections. (Figure) The latest advances and trends in diagnostic laboratory, imaging, and sonographic methods are described and illustrated. The sections on pathology are outstanding, providing descriptions and previously unpublished photographs of gross lesions and of lesions as viewed through a light microscope and an electron microscope. The authors have met the challenge of dealing with the wide differences in the management and prophylaxis of disease in patients with AIDS in both developed and underdeveloped countries. The unique clinical problems in Latin America are presented as 10 case studies with 64 figures. A short chapter on chronic diarrhea in African patients with AIDS provides practical information for management. The level of detail presented in some sections, such as those covering mycobacteria and nonenteric infections, is more than would be required by most physicians and other health care workers. Nevertheless, students and academic readers will appreciate the information and references. Conversely, more details on supportive care with fluid, electrolytes, nutrition, and non-antimicrobial drugs would be helpful for the novice practitioner. The 627 figures warrant the word "atlas" in the title and are a major attribute of the book. Many of the light and electron photomicrographs are exquisite. Legends and text adequately support the illustrations. Line drawings of the life cycles of parasites, enhanced by crayonlike coloring and freehand lettering, are reminiscent of college biology courses, but I found them appealing as well as nostalgic. This book is recommended to anyone involved in the care of patients with HIV infection or AIDS in developed or underdeveloped countries. It provides a comprehensive review of all aspects of gastrointestinal infections in these patients, and much of the information is also applicable to patients who are severely immunocompromised from causes other than HIV. The editor and authors are to be congratulated on this important book, which fills a gap in the medical literature on intestinal infections in AIDS. Walter T. Hughes, M.D.
Copyright © 2004 Massachusetts Medical Society. All rights reserved. The New England Journal of Medicine is a registered trademark of the MMS.

Review

Journals: AIDS, Journal of AIDS, Journal of Infectious Diseases, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Lancet, New England Journal of Medicine, JAMA, International Journal of Infectious Diseases

From the reviews:

"This volume is a thorough review of gastrointestinal infections that can occur in patients infected with HIV. … Notable in this volume is the thorough international review of opportunistic infections, which can be used by all countries … . The highlight of the book is its collection of wonderful photographs, pictures, and diagrams. … This book is an ideal textbook for a wide variety of readers. Gastroenterologists, infectious diseases physicians, and HIV/AIDS specialists may find this textbook quite useful … ." (Rafik Samuel, Clinical Infectious Diseases, Vol. 39, October, 2004)

"The textbook comprises 30 topics covering all the gastrointestinal manifestations of HIV infection … . The word ‘atlas’ in the title is justified by the wealth of figures (more than 600), most of which are of very high quality ... . This book will serve as a worthwhile tool for any clinician involved in the care of patients with gastrointestinal manifestations of HIV infection, both in developed and developing countries. It is also an excellent source of well-referenced information for pathologists … ." (F. Parente, Digestive and Liver Disease, Vol. 37, 2005)

Product Details

• Hardcover: 450 pages
• Publisher: Springer; 1 edition (September 17, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 8847001749
• ISBN-13: 978-8847001749
• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 7.6 x 10.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,832,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)