Infectious Disease pediatricians throughout the country have new information on disease detection, prevention and treatment.  The third edition of “Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases,” (Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier/2008/ISBN:978-0-443-06687-0) edited by Sarah S. Long, M.D., chief of the Section of Infectious Diseases at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, was recently released.            

Among the new material in this book are articles dealing with the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. New entries discuss the phenomenon, tests to identify infectious agents, proper use of anti-infectious and antimicrobial agents, and best lab practices to detect resistant microbes.            

Other new and updated entries in the book cover newly discovered viruses, the latest information on immunizations and infectious disease control, managing infectious risks in vulnerable patients, and evidence-based approaches to controlling and preventing healthcare-associated infections.            

The book is considered an essential guide for both pediatric generalists and specialists in pediatric infectious diseases. Contributions to the book come from a wide range of pediatric authorities and reflect the latest research in and treatments of pediatric infectious diseases.

Dr. Long specializes in the care and treatment of children with infectious diseases. She received her medical degree from Jefferson Medical College and completed her pediatric residency and fellowship in infectious diseases at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. In addition to serving as chief editor of “Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases,” Dr. Long is an associate editor of The Journal of Pediatrics, a prestigious primary science pediatric journal, and the Red Book Report of the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics, an authority on vaccinations for pediatricians and family physicians.            

Among the special contributors to the third edition of “Principles and Practice” is Eric N. Faerber, M.D., of St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Both Long and Faerber hold faculty appointments at the Drexel University College of Medicine.            

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is a 170-bed pediatric hospital located at Erie Avenue at Front Street in Philadelphia that has an academic affiliation with Drexel University College of Medicine.  The hospital provides a wide range of pediatric medical and surgical specialties. With a medical staff of more than 270 pediatric specialists, St. Christopher's is a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center and provides programs such as kidney transplantation, cancer treatment, burn and wound care, minimally invasive surgery, and open heart surgery for the children of the greater Philadelphia area and from around the world. The hospital is fully accredited by the Joint Commission, the nation’s oldest and largest hospital accreditation agency.            

St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children is part of Tenet Healthcare Corporation’s Hospitals in the Philadelphia market. To learn more about St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, visit www.stchristophershospital.com.

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