This book provides a broad introductory overview of the history of major infectious diseases, including their impact on different populations, the recognition of specific causative agents, and the development of methods used to prevent, control, and treat them. By stressing the major themes in the history of disease, this book allows readers to relate modern concerns to historical materials. It places modern developments concerning infectious diseases within their historical context, illuminating the relationships between patterns of disease and social, cultural, political, and economic factors. Upon completing this volume, readers will be prepared to answer contemporary questions concerning the threat of newly-emerging infectious diseases, potentially devastating pandemics, and the threat of bioterrorism.

Disease and history : an overview -- Miasma, contagion, and the germ theory of disease -- Microbiology and the foundations of modern surgery and therapy -- Viruses and viral diseases -- Sanitary reform, public health, and the battle against filth and epidemic diseases -- The art and science of preventing and controlling epidemic diseases -- Emerging infectious diseases -- Biological weapons and bioterrorism -- Infectious agents and new concepts : from chronic diseases to the microbiome.