Revenge of the Microbes
"What is antibiotic resistance, and why should I care?"
Two decades after the first edition of Revenge of the Microbes: How
Bacterial Resistance Is Undermining the Antibiotic Miracle warned of
the looming threat of antibiotic resistance, it is now upon us. Not only
has the spread of antibiotic resistance continued unabated, but the
emergence of multidrug-resistant "superbugs" is poised to set medical
progress back centuries. Several distinct biological, social, economic,
and technological factors have resulted in us only barely keeping pace
with these new threats.
In this edition of Revenge of the Microbes, the authors detail the
intricacies of the antibiotic-microbe arms race. Beginning with a
historical perspective on antibiotics and their profound impact on both
modern medicine and present-day society, they review our current arsenal
against infectious diseases and the various ways pathogens evade or
overcome them. The authors examine the practices and policies driving
the discovery and development of new antibiotics, what happens to
antibiotics once they are released into the environment, how
antibiotic-resistant bacteria evolve and spread, and the urgency for
finding alternative approaches to combating infections. This discussion
of the controversies surrounding antibiotics will empower
readers--citizen scientists, policy makers, pharmaceutical researchers,
and medical professionals alike--to generate informed opinions on
antibiotic usage and stewardship as we contend with fewer effective
antibiotics.
Reader-friendly and comprehensible, this new edition of Revenge of the
Microbes engages a diverse audience of scientists, clinicians,
educators, students, lawyers, environmentalists, and public health
advocates as it explores the ever-changing landscape of the antibiotic
resistance crisis.
For anyone interested in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), this is a
completely approachable 360-degree view of a very complex topic. The
authors don't dilute the science but manage to deliver it in language
and examples that everyone can digest. Don't miss the "Points to Ponder"
at the end of each chapter. These thought-provoking nuggets will inspire
creative thinking even in the most experienced AMR authorities.
-- JEAN B. PATEL, PhD, D(ABMM), Principle Scientist, Scientific
Affairs, Microbiology, Beckman Coulter; former Science Team Lead,
Antibiotic Resistance Coordination and Strategy Unit, CDC
