Third edition. Daniel Schlossberg; ed. 323 pages. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1994. $89.00.
The knowledge of tuberculosis contained in this edition is as close to current as the exigencies of editing and publishing can achieve. Clearly, the book meets a demand for timely information.
The first seven chapters deal with basic features of the organism and the human response to invasion. Chapter 2, "Pathogenesis and Immunology: Basic Aspects" and Chapter 3, "Pathophysiology and Immunology: Clinical Aspects," are notable for an exceptionally clear presentation of the current understanding of the chemical, cellular, and total reaction to infection. The chapter on epidemiology, however, fails to note the extent to which immigrant disease has added to the burden of tuberculosis, particularly with respect to isoniazid-resistant strains.
Remaining chapters deal with tuberculosis by organ system or specialty and by recent specific problems, such as the effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on manifestations of tuberculosis. A clearer picture might emerge if, for example, the incidence of gastrointestinal disease were projected against all problems of this tract rather than against the incidence of tuberculosis as a whole. In fact, tuberculosis in systems other than pulmonary is relatively uncommon.
Numerous typographical errors appear, and one illustration is missing. Readability is impaired by the extensive use of capitalized abbreviations. Variations in mode of citation (alphabetic and textual) may cause confusion. Illustrations are generous and exceptionally well reproduced.
On the whole, this book constitutes a ready and useful reference for general internists and primary care physicians.
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