Salem Health: Infectious Diseases & Conditions Review

Wednesday, February 28, 2018 11:34:57 PM
"This three-volume set, which covers multiple aspects of infectious diseases, is broad in scope and extremely well organized, and achieves its aim of being readily comprehensible by those other than health professionals and scientists. In addition to entries for specific diseases, casual and carrier organisms, and diagnostic techniques, there are numerous other entries covering many other topics ranging from psychological aspects of infectious disease to national and international organizations. The more than six hundred entries, which are arranged alphabetically, average two or three pages and typically include definitions, symptoms, risk factors, screening, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and outcomes for specific diseases as well as further reading and websites of interest. Not only have the entries from the previous edition been extensively updated, but approximately thirty new ones have been added for subjects such as global warming, molecular microbiology, new treatments, newly discovered diseases, and diseases that have recently become more widespread. The editor is an emeritus professor of medicine at Wright State, while the contributors include medical and science professors, clinicians, researchers, and professional medical writers. One feature that makes this set so valuable is the extensive appendixes, among which are category, subject, and affected system indexes, recommended websites, pharmaceutical lists, medical journals, an extensive glossary, and historical resources. Free online access is available with the purchase of the print volumes, a commendable feature... this encyclopedia will be an extremely useful resource for many. Summing Up: Three Stars; Highly recommended. All readers."
-CHOICE, October 2019

"Part of the Salem "Health" series, Hawley's (Wright State Univ.; Magill's Medical Guide) well-organized, thorough overview examines the origins, effects, and treatment of infection illnesses both common (flu, acne, cold sores) and rare (anthrax, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, prion diseases). Almost 600 alphabetically arranged articles by 186 contributors (mostly medical professionals, academics, and medical writers) begin with ready reference information, including affected system, transmission method, symptoms, screening and diagnosis, and more. Entries encompass additional reading, bibliographies, related websites, and "see also" references. New topics to this edition include global warming, Powassan virus, and travel medicine. Volume 3 offers a cumulative index and nine appendixes, featuring a list of Nobel Prize winners and a biographical dictionary of infectious disease scientists. Three indexes list material by anatomy/body system, category, and subject. Some articles include sidebars, black-and-white illustrations, and graphs. The print edition offers free online access. While other titles on diseases are aimed primarily at medical professionals or scientists, this one provides a jumping-off point for students and the public in need of additional information. Verdict: A valuable and insightful set for undergraduate and graduate students, scientists, faculty, and the public."
-Library Journal, Starred Review August 2019

“This three-volume set in the "Salem Health" series presents 610 signed essays…Essays discuss all aspects of infectious diseases, e.g., pathogens, disease transmission, vaccines, drug resistance, bioterrorism, and social concerns. Contributors include medical professionals, clinical practitioners, researchers, science/medicine professors, and professional medical writers. Alphabetically arranged entries range in length from one to five pages, and include a definition, category listings, further reading suggestions, websites of interest, and see also references. Some entries feature black-and-white images or tables. Volume 3 includes appendixes consisting of reference tools (glossary, medical journals list, and pharmaceuticals list) and historical resources (a time line of major developments, scientists' biographies, and Nobel Prizes awarded for important discoveries). Three indexes list entries by anatomy or systems affected, category, and subject.

Libraries updating their collection in infectious diseases will find this a valuable resource. Those libraries that own Salem Health: Genetics and Inherited Conditions and Salem Health: Cancer, both edited by J. A. Knight, will want to acquire it…Summing Up: Highly recommended. Lower-level undergraduates through graduate students, professionals/practitioners, and general readers.”
-CHOICE

“The work is very thorough and informative and would be of use to those recently diagnosed with cancer, their loved ones, or students in health sciences programs. Purchase of the print edition comes with free online access…This title is recommended for public and academic libraries.”
-ARBA