Infection and Immunity

Human infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. While the human body defends against infections consistently via innate and adaptive immune responses, the face of infection in human disease is changing globally. For instance, the immunocompromised population is on the rise, mainly due to extensive chemotherapies, immunosuppressive treatment for transplantation, and emerging infections such as infection with Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). In this light, the development of effective immunological diagnostic tests and immune-mediating treatments may be vital. The present chapter provides an updated review on definition and epidemiology, molecular mechanisms, diagnosis, and treatment of infectious diseases, as well as highlights areas of further research in the field.