rare diseases

"... explores serious diseases and disorders that most readers have never heard of, ranging from genetic, infectious, and environmental diseases to autoimmune, idiopathic, and mental disorders"--Provided by publisher.

Photographs and real-world examples explain scientific findings about deadly diseases, discussing plagues, pandemics, genetic diseases, bioterrorism, disease control and prevention, and more.

Describes several rare diseases and their treatments--from cystic fibrosis and sickle-cell anemia to autism and obsessive-compulsive disorder--and discusses the lobbying campaign which has led to the development of new drugs and therapies for them.

Explores how medical researchers are studying uncommon illnesses, describing the methods they use to learn more about the diseases and develop possible treatments.