Antimicrobial Agents: Antibacterials and Antifungals, compiled by André Brysker of Sanofi-Aventis pharmaceutical company in Romainville, France, is a significant revision of an original French reference published by Ellipses Publishers in 1999. Featuring more than 1,200 illustrations, over 1,500 tables, and more than 3,000 references, this major new volume comprehensively covers the history, chemistry, synthesis, mechanisms of action, pharmacology, and efficacy of all antimicrobial agents.
The text opens with foundational material covering the history of antibacterial chemotherapy, the system of classifying antimicrobial agents, the epidemiology of resistance, and the development of an antibiotic. The body of the text is divided into antimicrobial classes, including new chapters that extensively cover Helicobacter pylori and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Also examined are antimicrobial agents that are in advanced states of development, products that are used on animals, agents that are as yet unexplored, and those for which development has ceased. All existing chapters have been thoroughly updated to reflect advances in technology and research since the publication of the original edition.
"This book is a tribute to the work of chemists and biologists who have, over the past 50 to 60 years, discovered and developed these 'miracle' drugs we call antibiotics and antimicrobials," says Stuart Levy, of Tufts University, in the book's foreword. "In one single place the history, chemical structure, synthesis, mechanisms of action pharmacology and efficacy – virtually 'all you need to know' about antibiotics – are presented. It is a 'bible' in this field."
A complementary publication, Frontiers in Antimicrobial Resistance: a Tribute to Stuart B. Levy, also published by ASM Press, offers a unique examination of the state of antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance. Written by acknowledged experts who have spent time in Levy's laboratory or who have otherwise collaborated with him professionally, this new volume is a tribute to Levy and acknowledges his significant contributions to this vitally important field.
The sections of this book were chosen with the goal of providing a comprehensive overview of antibacterial and anticancer drug resistance, with special emphasis on those areas where Levy stimulated scientific advances through his own research and that of his students, research fellows and colleagues. Its 40 chapters focus on the current knowledge of mechanisms of antimicrobial and anticancer drug resistance, the ecology of resistant bacteria, the factors influencing antimicrobial resistance and efforts in developing and implementing relevant policy and education.
"I am honored and somewhat awed by this book," says Levy in the introduction. "What an impressive integration of findings, concepts and new ideas provided by so many distinguished investigators in this broad and multifaceted field!"
Antimicrobial Agents has a list price of $189.95 and Frontiers in Antimicrobial Resistance has a list price of $119.95. They can both be ordered from ASM Press online at http://estore.asm.org.
ASM Press is the book publishing arm of the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), the oldest and largest single life science membership organization in the world. The ASM's mission is to promote research in the microbiological sciences and to assist communication between scientists, policy makers, and the public to improve health and foster economic well-being.