The Rising Threat of Infectious Diseases

With AIDS, Ebola and the resurgence of tuberculosis (now finally leveling off) on the minds of both medical practitioners and the public, it's wise to re-examine the road we've taken thus far in the battle against infectious disease and consider our options for the future. Combining stock footage (some of a bit scratchy) and an interview with Tufts University School of Medicine's Stuart Levy, this program briefly traces the history of bacterial and viral infections as well as the strides humankind has made to control or eradicate such formerly disastrous diseases as smallpox. Unfortunately, as the program points out, the tide has turned (due to the misuse and overuse of antibiotics and the wide-ranging effects of modern transportation) and we are now facing super strains of bugs which are resistant to most, if not all, antibiotics currently available. The future is, in a word, uncertain. Larger collections will want to consider, but for nearly half the price ($99.95), Ultra Science: Return of the Plagues (VL-3/97) is a better choice. Aud: I, J, H. (R. Pitman)