October 2005

National Academies advisory: Fighting infectious disease

Humans coexist with millions of harmless microorganisms, but emerging diseases, resistance to antibiotics, and the threat of bioterrorism are forcing scientists to look for new ways to confront the microbes that do pose a danger.

TREATING INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN A MICROBIAL WORLD: REPORT OF TWO WORKSHOPS ON NOVEL ANTIMICROBIAL THERAPEUTICS, a new report from the National Academies' National Research Council, examines innovative approaches to the development of antimicrobial drugs and vaccines.

In the future, treatments could be designed to take advantage of a greater understanding of the complex relationship between the human immune system and both beneficial and harmful microbes, as well as the evolutionary origins of antibiotic resistance.

The report is available for immediate release beginning at 9 a.m. EDT on Friday, Oct. 28. Reporters can obtain a copy by contacting the Office of News and Public Information; tel. 202-334-2138 or e-mail [email protected].