Written in clear, nontechnical language, this investigation of drug resistance provides readers with an overview of the scientific issues, the current scope of the problem nationally and globally, and the measures that can be taken to combat this public health crisis.

Drug resistance—the reduction in the effectiveness of a particular medicine (particularly antimicrobials) in treating a disease or condition—is considered one of the most pressing issues in medicine today. This problem is likely to have profound impacts on society in the decades to come. This understandable, single-volume book explores the history of drug resistance, explains how drug resistance occurs, cites the most problematic examples, identifies the potential consequences, and describes how drug resistance can be prevented. It also pays attention to current issues and controversies surrounding this topic, such as the role of the industrialized food system in breeding antibiotic-resistant strains of E. coli.

The coverage includes up-to-date information about specific diseases like tuberculosis, malaria, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), for which drug resistance is a particular issue. Readers will understand how human behavior, such as patient non-adherence to treatment and physician over-prescription of antibiotics, have served to foster drug resistance. A selection of primary documents sourced from organizations such as the World Health Organization, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will serve those interested in pursuing more detailed research on particular topics.

At each stage of the text, the reader is aware of the informational progress made—i.e., what information has come before and what information remains to complete the progression. The primary documents that serve as sources of information are identified and weighted. A helpful time line from 1632 to 2016 provides an unexpected historical background. Due to the overall superior quality of this work, it is most highly recommended for all readership levels. Summing Up: Highly recommended. All readers. * Choice *
Best Community College Resource - July 2017 * Choice *

Sarah E. Boslaugh, PhD, MPH, is a technical writer and editor as well as an adjunct faculty member of the Department of Biostatistics in the School of Public Health, Saint Louis University.