Everything readers ever wanted to know about deadly viruses, killer parasites, flesh-eating microbes, and other lifethreatening beasties but were afraid to ask

What disease, known as "the White Death" has killed 2 billion people, and counting?

What fatal disease lurks undetected in air conditioners and shower heads, waiting to become airborne?

How lethal is the Ebola virus, and will there ever be a cure for it?

How do you catch flesh-eating bacteria?

Killer Germs takes readers on a fascinating (sometimes horrifying) journey into the amazing world of viruses, bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and worms and explores the roles they have played in shaping the course of human history. From biblical plagues, to the AIDS crisis, to supergerms of the future, this updated and revised edition of the original covers the whole gamut of diseases that have threatened humanity since its origins.

It also includes a new chapter on the history of bioterrorism and the deplorable role it has played and is likely to play in the phenomenal diversity of diseases.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 12 reviews)

Enjoyable reading meets meaningful learning

Killer Germs is comprehensive study of human pathogens that weaves in enough history and human interest stories to make it fascinating reading. I use it as my textbook in my Infectious Diseases course at the University of Missouri and the students actually read it. One student said in my course evaluations, "Thanks for picking a textbook that is enjoyable to read! I read it twice this semester and bought a copy for my Dad for his birthday."
January 25, 2008

More Than I Needed To Know

Believe it or not, I found this book in a basket of "things to do," at a home of a friend, while using the lavatory. Needless to say, the title caught my attention, as my mind swiftly took stock of all the potential creepies and crawlies lurking in the very bathroom I had exposed myself to. Picking it up with a nervous chuckle, I soon found myself hooked and fascinated by the medical information which was being presented. It's not difficult reading material, nor is it boring. If you like criminal shows, forensic sciences and the like - you should really enjoy this.
September 17, 2007

Informative

This book is easy to read and informative. I underlined a lot of excellent information. Chapters can stand on their own. This makes it a very useful book if you are interested in pathogens.
March 08, 2006

Informative and fun to read

I used this book for one of my classes and I was dreading having to read a book about biology and diseases. After reading the first chapter I got hooked, and couldn't set the book down. I read it in three days while I was out hiking in the woods and it made me a little paranoid about ticks that might be in the grass and other insects! The book definitely makes you think about every living organism that is around you, on you, and inside you.

This is by no means a detailed book about any particular disease, bacteria, or virus. However, it is the perfect book for somebody who has never taken an interest in diseases or epidemics. It is very easy to read and entertaining.
July 25, 2005

Great Book

I am in Mr. Zimmerman's class and he is a great teacher. He uses excerpts from his book killer germs to teach us about microbiology. I believe he spant a lot of time writing this book and it was definetly worth reading. Two thumbs up.
March 09, 2004

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