Main description:

Authoritative investigators active in the discovery, development, and application of biological anti-infective agents concisely review their use and potential in preventing and treating human disease. Focusing on biotherapeutic entities that have been tested in controlled studies, the prominent experts illuminate the scientific underpinnings of their therapeutic power, assess their possible risks in the treatment of infectious diseases, and outline the research needed to better define their effectiveness. In addition, they also consider how biotherapeutic agents may be genetically engineered for maximum intestinal and vaginal production of bioactive substances in vivo. Biotherapeutic Agents and Infectious Diseases brings together all the evidence needed to understand and capitalize on the considerable promise of this significant new class of biotherapeutic entities.

Contents:

Quality Control and Regulatory Issues for Biotherapeutic Agents, L. V. McFarland. Mechanisms of Action of Biotherapeutic Agents, J.-P. Butts. Pharmacokinetics of BTA, S. W. Martin, A. C. Heatherington, and G. W. Elmer. Influences on the Normal Microbial Flora, K. Orrhage and C. Nord. Immunological Effects of Biotherapeutic Agents, P. Marteau and C. Cellier. Biotherapeutic Agents in the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea, C. M. Surawicz. Biotherapeutic Agents for Clostridium difficile-Associated Disease, L. V. McFarland. Biotherapeutic Agents in the Management of Pediatric Diarrheal Disease, J. M. Saavedra. Biotherapeutic Agents and Adult Diarrhea, S. Salminen, E. Isolauri, and E. Salminen. Biotherapeutic Agents as Therapy for Vaginitis, J. D. Sobel. Biotherapeutic Agents to Prevent Cystitis in Women, G. Reid, V. Smeianov, and A. W. Bruce. Risks of Biotherapeutic Agents, C. M. Surawicz and L. V. McFarland. Future Directions for Research on Biotherapeutic Agents: Contribution of Genetic Approaches on Lactic Acid Bacteria, G. Corthier and P. Renault. Index