Killer Germs: Rogue Diseases Of The Twenty-first Centrury
(Pete Moore BSc, PhD)
Have you ever wondered about germs? Not just what they are, but what they do? In Pete Moore?s, Killer Germs, he presents a rich and colorful picture of just how deadly germs can be. From the beginning of time germs have made people sick, caused physical defects and even lead to death.
The book starts off by describing different modes germs use to present themselves, as well as how they spread. A communicable disease is an infectious disease transmissible from person to person or by direct contact with an affected individual or the individual's discharges or by indirect means such as by a vector. Vector-borne infections are those that are transmitted by insects. Zoonotic is a disease of animals that can be transmitted to humans. Germs are developed both through natural and artificial means.
Moore discusses the causes, ramifications and end (if there is one) for many ailments. He describes the mutation of viruses and bacteria as well as the appearance of many new ones. AIDS has only been a problem in our society since 1981 but since then has experienced minor mutations. Since the onset of AIDS a quarter of a century ago it has spread like wildfire. Another young disease is the mosquito spread disease, West Nile Encephalitis. Since its onset in 1999, it has become rampant.
Many people have been led to believe that many historical illnesses have been irradiated, allowing us to live safe from their harms. But how true is this really? What about small pox? Are we safe from its acute destruction? The plague for example, has had a very vivid history but has also had a diminutive appearance with the present. And what about the too familiar virus influenza? Can we as a congested society, truly be safe from its wrath? And what about annual immunizations? Do they really help?
These are a few of the questions Moore addresses as he describes the history, creation and mutations that viruses have seen and continue to see.
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