Infected by Muhammad H. Zaman ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

In this groundbreaking new audiobook, award-winning scientist Muhammad H. Zaman delves into the history of US epidemics, from the earliest cases of syphilis, cholera, and smallpox to AIDS and the recent COVID crisis, to show how the country's response (or lack thereof) to infectious disease in America is part of a critical, time-tested strategy in America's toolbox of oppression of the weak, the poor, and the non-white.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free audiobook was provided for an honest review.

November 2025; Kalorama; 9781696608077
audio (7h), ebook, print; science nonfiction

I wasn't planning on participating in Nonfiction November this year, but it seems, unintentionally, I'm reading a lot of nonfiction this month. 

I love the history of science, so I was drawn to this book because of the historical aspects. I learned about the Tuskegee syphilis trials, but some of the other research studies were unfamiliar to me. I was also unaware of how recent some of these questionably unethical projects were. 

I understand better those who are skeptical or even fearful of science. As I said, I knew there were questionable studies in the past when people weren't always informed about what was happening or that treatments were withheld in the name of research. I work in the sciences, and I assumed that today's ethical requirements were sufficient safeguards. In some of the case studies Zaman presents, I could see how those safeguards could be overridden, say in the name of national security.

This book also checked another box for me. The book is written by a Pakistani. I've been trying to geographically expand the authors I read, as well as the settings of stories. Zaman mentions a case where an unethical science-based program occurred in Pakistan. 

The tagline of the title is How Power, Politics, and Privilege Use Science Against the World’s Most Vulnerable and Zaman does shed plenty of light on the many times that science was used against the poor, the uneducated, people of color, and non-U.S. citizens. 

I'm familiar with diseases of poverty, but these diseases are usually of no interest to wealthier nations because the diseases do not affect them, and those most afflicted by the diseases can't afford treatment (so drug companies are interested in developing therapeutics). But many of the diseases Zaman highlights, while disproportionately affecting the poor, are still concerns for wealthier populations.

The book gave me plenty to think about.

The audiobook is read by Shawn K. Jain, who does a great job. His reading is clear and concise. I find listening to nonfiction is sometimes easier. If you are used to listening to podcasts, then you can easily transition to nonfiction audiobooks. 

If you are interested in understanding the anti-vax, anti-science movement, this book will give you plenty of insight. Hopefully, it will also encourage people to do better.

Buy Infected at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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