Synopsis

Rapid Infectious Diseases is the fourth book to appear in the Rapid series. Each book is designed for short revision covering key facts in a simple and memorable fashion, using well-thought out mnemonics to aid recall

This new text provides students in the run-up to exams with a comprehensive review of possible causes for symptoms and conditions as well as the key facts of around 100 diseases, following the Rapid mnemonic. There will also be an appendix giving details of immunisations as well as a list of Further Reading and useful web sites.

Clinical students working on Emergency Medicine and General Practice attachments will find this book extremely useful. It may also interest those planning electives abroad. Junior doctors and GPs will find this a handy resource for quick access to information on the symptoms and diseases they may encounter in the clinical setting.

Reviewer: Mary Fines Ricardo-Dukelow, MD(Univ of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine)
Description: This book covers common infectious diseases and tropical medicine in a brief outline format. Each pathogen is described in the same way: definition, etiology, association, risk factors, epidemiology, history, physical examination, pathology, investigations, management, complications, and prognosis.
Purpose: The purpose is to provide a source of rapid identification of key features of infectious diseases organized in a simple and easily accessible way. The book is simply a structured outline form of highlights of common pathogens. The book possibly meets the author's objectives and clearly gives only a "brief" overview.
Audience: The book is intended for medical students, junior doctors, general practitioners, and emergency medical staff treating patients in primary care situations. It may benefit other medical students who need to memorize details regarding key pathogens. The author is a medical student.
Features: "The book is divided into four main categories, the first of which includes pathogens that specifically affect certain systems, i.e., upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, gastrointestinal etc. The second section is referred to as the "etiologic agents," in which organisms are classified into categories such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc. The third section is divided into diseases that are commonly encountered in infectious diseases and each pathogen is described in the same format. The fourth and final section is an appendix of immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, antibiotic prophylaxis, and treatment. The third section is helpful as a means for quick memorization of key features of each pathogen and the appendix is quick reference guide for prophylaxis therapy. "
Assessment: "This book is a brief and quick source for key features to common infectious diseases. It can be used for a brief overview, nothing more. It is easy to read and has somewhat helpful tables to assist with categorizing pathogens. "