Recognizing Scientific Excellence, Since 1955
Clinical, Medical, & Public Health Microbiology

Antibiotic Resistance: An Ecological Perspective on an Old Problem, September 2009
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According to the report, it is possible to co-exist with resistance by- developing new strategies to prevent resistance from spreading and, where it already exists, identify the strains we need to protect against; find new ways to treat resistance infections effectively in patients; and manage reservoirs of antibiotic strains in the environment. The report summarizes the current scientific understanding of antibiotic resistance, the scope of the problem, and methods at our disposal for detecting emergence and preventing spread. The knowledge gaps about the prevalence of resistant strains and resistant infections are highlighted as are the unique problems and challenges in developing countries.


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Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis: Infrequent Human Pathogen or Public Health Threat? August 2008
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pdf References- For more information, please see this list of works cited in the report.

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Prepared by Carol Nacy and Merry Buckley.


People with Crohn’s disease (CD) are seven-fold more likely to have in their gut tissues the bacterium that causes a digestive-tract disease in cattle called Johne’s disease. The role this bacterium may or may not play in causing CD is a top research priority.  This report points out that the cause of Crohn’s disease is unknown, and the possible role of this bacterium, which could conceivably be passed up the food chain to people, has received too little attention from the research community.

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Probiotic Microbes: The Scientific Basis, June 2006
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pdf References- For more information, please see this list of works cited in the report. 

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Prepared by Richard Walker and Merry Buckley.

This report details how beneficial microbes could represent the future of medicine, with the potential to treat a variety of diseases in humans and animals from diarrhea and eczema to gum disease and autoimmune disorders.

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Vaccine Development: Current Status and Future Needs, October 2005
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Prepared by James Kaper, Rino Rappuoli, and Merry Buckley.

This report outlines the challenges society needs to confront in order to combat plagues of the 21st Century, and provides recommendations to overcome obstacles that prevent the best use of existing vaccines.

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Microbial Triggers of Chronic Human Illness, April 2005
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Prepared by Kathryn M. Carbone, Ronald B. Luftig, and Merry Buckley.

Details how the increase aging populations in the United States and throughout the developed world, appears to correlate with a switch from acute infectious diseases to chronic diseases as the major cause of morbidity and mortality. The report also recommends new criteria be developed for evaluating the strength of association between microbes and chronic illness.

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The Genomics of Disease-Causing Organism: Mapping a Strategy for Discovery and Defense, July 2004
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Prepared by Merry Buckley.

This report details the study of pathogenesis and how far we have come to having a complete understanding of pathogenesis and a phylogenetic framework for understanding the phenomenon.

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Microbial Forensics: A Scientific Assessment, 2003
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Prepared by Paul Keim.

Surveys this new field and makes recommendations about how to move it forward.

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Resolving the Global Burden of Gastrointestinal Illness: A Call to Action, 2002
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Prepared by Pierre Payment and Merry S. Riley.

Looks at incidence, severity, and duration and discusses routes of transmission of gastrointestinal disease around the world. Recommends future directions for the clinical arena, research, education, disease prevention, and communication.

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Antimicrobial Resistance: An Ecological Perspective, 2002
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Synthesizes conclusions reached by working groups at 1999 colloquium. Takes a broad view of the problem of increasing resistance to antimicrobials and its consequences for human, animal, and environmental health. Provides an overview of the current situation and offers specific recommendations for scientific research, surveillance programs, and education effor


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Bioterrorism Threats to Our Future, 2001 (Available online only)
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Prepared by James W. Snyder and William Check.

The Academy joined with the American College of Microbiology to examine the central roles of professional microbiologists and clinicians in recognizing the occurrence of possible bioterrorism events. Issues of medical laboratory and practitioner training, emergency preparedness plans, public education, collaboration, and communication across health care and law enforcement agencies from the local to the federal level are discussed.

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Health, Climate and Infectious Disease: A Global Perspective, 2001
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Prepared by Joan B. Rose, Anwar Huq, and Erin K. Lipp.

Takes a look at the combined advances in microbiology, meteorology, climatology, epidemiology, oceanography, ecology, medicine, and space science that are shedding light on the intricate connections between weather, oceans, and emerging and re-emerging diseases. Makes specific recommendations for future data collection, research collaboration, risk assessment, and the use of technology and molecular techniques.

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Climate, Infectious Disease and Health: An Interdisciplinary Perspective, 1998
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Prepared by Rita R. Colwell,and Jonathan A. Patz.

Discusses research issues relating to the effects of climate on the incidence and distribution of infectious disease. Addresses specific infectious diseases and offers recommendations for future research.

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Clinical Microbiology in the Changing World of Health Care Management, 1998
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Prepared by Noel R. Rose.

Assesses the impact of current and future changes in health care on clinical microbiologists and the practice of clinical microbiology. Considers issues related to changes in patient demographics, technology, the work force, and the economic environment. Discusses the clinical microbiologist as consultant and educator.

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The Scientific Future of DNA for Immunization, 1997
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Prepared by Harriet L. Robinson, Harold S. Ginsberg, Heather L. Davis, Stephen A. Johnston, and Margaret A. Liu.

Provides in-depth analysis of relevant issues and outlines a strategy for funding and coordinating a massive research effort to increase knowledge about the mechanism of genetic immunizations and to identify potential applications.

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