This book contains 20 chapters covering a range of infectious diseases, as well as a few non-infectious diseases such as cancer, and how they greatly affected the course of human history. It explores host-pathogen relationship, transmission routes, evolution, and global spread of infectious diseases including numerous viral, bacterial, protozoal, and helminth infections. It also covers the contribution of pets (dogs and cats), food, hygiene, and climate change in the spread of infectious diseases. This book is a valuable resource for students, practitioners and researchers working in global health and anyone interested in the understanding of the basis of disease.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

The sexual revolution -- Out of Africa -- Host/parasite interaction -- Using a vector -- The great plagues -- Missionaries of death -- The slave trade in parasites -- Eden's garden of South America -- A glass of water -- The great war -- Man's best friend? -- The animal connection -- Not clean -- Too clean -- The food we eat -- Cancer -- Climate change and population movements -- Disappeared and emergent diseases -- The future -- Conclusions.

Access limited to subscribing institution.

Also available in print format.

Title from PDF title page (viewed January 25, 2016).