Treating Infectious Diseases in a Microbial World

Humans coexist with millions of harmless microorganisms, but emerging diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and the threat of bioterrorism are forcing scientists to look for new ways to confront the microbes that do pose a danger. This report identifies innovative approaches to the development of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines based on a greater understanding of how the human immune system interacts with both good and bad microbes. The report concludes that the development of a single superdrug to fight all infectious agents is unrealistic.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummaryChallenges for the Development of New Antimicrobials— Rethinking the Approaches: Report of a WorkshopPromising Approaches to the Development of Immunomodulation for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases: Report of a WorkshopAppendix A Statement of TaskAppendix B New Classes of Antimicrobials Committee Biographical SketchesAppendix C New Classes of Antimicrobials WorkshopAppendix D Immunomodulation Committee Biographical SketchesAppendix E Immunomodulation Workshop