In this brief, beautifully illustrated book, the authors introduce the reader to the basic science of medical microbiology and relate it to clinical practice. Integrating concise text, over 270 full-colour diagrams and selected photomicrographs, they provide an understanding of bacterial infection and give the reader the necessary grounding to select the right antibiotics and follow logical diagnostic and management strategies. Following introductory chapters on the nature, structure and function of bacteria, the principles are then applied to each body system in turn, dealing with organisms, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment and public health. There are also chapters on infection control emphasising the importance of good hygiene in preventing hospital acquired infection. In the context of new problem-based curricula, the book will be welcomed especially by medical students, trainee physicians and microbiologists, laboratory biomedical scientists and nurses working in infection control.

Table of Contents

Contents Preface 1 The Structure and Function of Bacteria 2 How Bacteria Cause Disease 3 Characterization of Bacteria from Clinical Specimens 4 The Use of Antibiotics 5 Infections of the Blood: Bacteraemia and Endocarditis 6 Bacterial Infections of the Alimentary Canal 7 Infections of the Respiratory Tract 8 Tuberculosis 9 Infections of the Central Nervous System 10 Infections of the Eye 11 Infections of the Urinary Tract 12 Infections of the Genital Systems 13 Infections of the Skin, Soft Tissues, Joints and Bones 14 Infections in a Modern Society 15 The Control of Infection in the Hospital and the Community Index

Reviews

Winner BMA Student Textbook of the Year Award 2004 ... strongly recommended for undergraduate medical students. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy ...the authors have succeeded in extracting from the vast subject range of medical microbiology that which is clinically relevant and have presented it in a way that is clinician friendly. Communicable Disease and Public Health