Antimicrobial Drugs

Chronicle of a twentieth century medical triumph

David Greenwood

An easy-to-read history of how the development of antibacterial drugs has transformed our lives.
Charts the history of modern antimicrobial chemotherapy, from derivatives of dyes and arsenical chemicals at the turn of the 20th century, to the fight against superbugs at the turn of the 21st.
Covers not only antibacterial drugs, but all anti-infectives, including antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal and anthelminthic agents.
Profiles the personalities involved, and how their rivalry, the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, and Lady Luck, shaped their work.

Antimicrobial Drugs

Chronicle of a twentieth century medical triumph

David Greenwood

Description

Between 1935 and 1944 the field of microbiology, and by implication medicine as a whole, underwent dramatic advancement. The discovery of the extraordinary antibacterial properties of sulphonamides, penicillin, and streptomycin triggered a frantic hunt for more antimicrobial drugs that was to yield an abundant harvest in a very short space of time. By the early 1960s more than 50 antibacterial agents were available to the prescribing physician and, largely by a process of chemical modification of existing compounds, that number has more than tripled today. We have become so used to the ready availability of these relatively safe and highly effective 'miracle drugs' that it is now hard to grasp how they transformed the treatment of infection.

This book documents the progress made from the first tentative search for an elusive 'chemotherapy' of infection in the early days of the twentieth century, to the development of effective antiviral agents for the management of HIV as the millennium drew to a close. It also offers a celebration of the individuals and groups that made this miracle happen, as well as examining the inexorable rise of the global pharmaceutical industry, and, most intriguingly, the essential input of luck.

Infection still maintains a high profile in both medicine and the media, with the current threats of 'superbugs' such as MRSA acquired in hospital, and a potential resistance to antibiotics. This book tracks the history of antimicrobial drugs, a remarkable medical triumph that has provided doctors with an amazing armoury of safe and effective drugs that ensure that reversion to the helpless state of the fight against infection witnessed in the early 1900s is extremely unlikely. This timely compendium acknowledges the agents that have surely led to the relief of more human and animal suffering than any other class of drugs in the history of medical endeavour.

Antimicrobial Drugs

Chronicle of a twentieth century medical triumph

David Greenwood

Antimicrobial Drugs

Chronicle of a twentieth century medical triumph

David Greenwood

Author Information

David Greenwood, Emeritus Professor of Antimicrobial Science, University of Nottingham Medical School, UK

Antimicrobial Drugs

Chronicle of a twentieth century medical triumph

David Greenwood

Reviews and Awards

"The science of drug discovery, the roles of individuals and teams in academia and industry, the circuitous routes taken to first treatment, are recounted in detail and depth in this wonderful volume from David Greenwood... This book is a must for all those who want to understand the ideas and personalities behind the antimicrobial drugs that have affected the quality of millions of lives." - Science Direct

"It is hard to imagine that anyone will tell it better than David Greenwood...in this page-turner...The depth of writing captures perfectly the sometimes complex interplay between pharmaceutical companies, academics and government initiatives, and the case for the role played by serendipity is particularly forcefully made...I urge all pharmacists to read this book and wonder at the achievements that focus, motivation and commitment can bring." - Peter Taylor is professor of microbiology at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, in Pharmaceutical Journal

"An admirable work...nearly every page brought a smile and an approving nod...a tour de force of which the author should be proud." - Steve Mitchell, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London

"...an elegant and comprehensive history of the antibiotic era...[recommended] to anyone, specialist or not, who is interested in antibiotics or the history of medicine." - D. M. Livermore, Health Protection Agency, London

"This book offers a fascinating account of the development of antimicrobial drugs of all kinds...[this book] will be of interest to all lecturers, researchers, students and drug company employees engaged in antibiotic-related teaching and work. Every library should have a copy!" - Society for General Microbiology

"Enterprises such as this book require huge efforts from the author and pay great dividends to the loyal reader. For the origins of such drugs as avlosulphon and zanamivir, and many in between, this volume is a thorough and entertaining introduction."

"This book is a must for all those who want to understand the ideas and personalities behind the antimicrobial drugs that have affected the quality of millions of lives and raised so many major expectations." - Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygience