Description

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From assassination attempts using anthrax and ricin laced letters to the ongoing Ebola outbreaks in West Africa, the presence of biological warfare agents emphasize the immediate need to disseminate information to practitioners and educate future practitioners of medical sciences on how to effectively manage exposure to these deadly toxins and diseases. This detailed and concisely written textbook contains up to date information, covering aspects such as the molecular biology of the pathogen, differential diagnoses, treatment options and decontamination measures for thirty-five weaponized (or potentially weaponized) biological warfare agents. The text permits students, emergency responders, physicians and researchers to understand the biology, treatment and management of individuals exposed to biological agents. When dealing with any type of outbreak or exposure, time is critical in effective management; this text is an invaluable and comprehensive resource. The introductory material of the text provides a unique historical perspective on the use of biological agents. Chapters one through three focus on viral agents, bacterial agents (and their toxins) and toxins. Each of these chapters examines each known agent individually and covers the symptoms of exposure, detection of the agent, treatment options and differential diagnoses for that agent, providing a quick reference in emergency situations. Chapters four and five cover federal regulations, the detection of biological agents, decontamination methods, and personal protection. The text closes with a discussion on biological terrorism, the production and/or isolation of agents, as well as the difficulties associated with their production and/or isolation. This text takes a unique and systematic approach in the information that is presented, providing a quick, but detailed reference that is invaluable in situations where time is of the essence.

About the Author

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William E. Houston (ret. Colonel U.S. Army) received his doctorate in molecular microbiology from Vanderbilt University in 1971. Colonel Houston served as the Director, U.S. Army Medical Chemical Defense Research Program, Office of the Surgeon General, Washington D.C. from 1982-1985. Presently, he is a consultant and lecturer for the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training for Louisiana State University, a program sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security. Phillip Yuan Pei Jen received his doctorate in human anatomy and physiology from The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 1995. Presently, Dr. Jen is an Associate Professor of Biology at Gordon State College located in Georgia. Amanda Duffus received her doctorate in biological sciences from Queen Mary University of London in 2010. Presently, Dr. Duffus is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Gordon State College located in Georgia. Mustapha Durojaiye received his doctorate in Biological Sciences from Clark Atlanta University in 1981. Presently Dr. Durojaiye is Interim Department Head of Biology and Professor of Biology at Gordon State College located in Georgia.