Author : Nicholas Mantis
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN 13 : 3642274706
Total Pages : 283 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (422 download)
Book Synopsis Ricin and Shiga Toxins by : Nicholas Mantis
Download or read book Ricin and Shiga Toxins written by Nicholas Mantis and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-02-10 with total page 283 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In May of 2011, Western Europe experienced a severe outbreak of Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing E. coli (STEC) that culminated in more than 3200 cases and 39 deaths. While Stx is not the only virulence factor associated with STEC, it is certainly the primary determinant associated with the onset of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). At the present time, there are no clinically approved measures to neutralize Stx in individuals suffering from STEC infection. Nor are there any preventatives or therapeutics for ricin toxin. Although incidents of ricin exposure are largely unheard of, federal agencies and public health officials consider it a significant threat. It is well documented that domestic and international terrorist groups have stockpiled, and in some cases weaponized ricin with the intent of releasing it into the public sphere and causing panic, illness and/or death on a local, regional, or possibly national scale. The chapters, written by leading experts in the field, are organized so as to cover all aspects of ricin and Stx, including pathogenesis, immunity, vaccines and therapeutics. This outstanding collection of reviews will serve as an important and readily accessible resource for the research community in the coming years.